Texas Rangers: 3 players who have something to prove down the stretch

Apr 30, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kohei Arihara (35) reacts as catcher Jonah Heim (28) walks to the mound in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kohei Arihara (35) reacts as catcher Jonah Heim (28) walks to the mound in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
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Nick Solak Texas Rangers
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Nick Solak

Optioned to AAA recently, the Texas Rangers are giving Nick Solak a second chance at second base

Nick Solak was supposed to be the answer at second base for the Texas Rangers, at least in 2021.

It hasn’t really gone according to plan for the 26-year-old, though, as he was hitting to a .650 OPS prior to being demoted for prospect Curtis Terry back in July. The one plus tool Solak possesses, his hit tool, just hasn’t been present most of the season. So if he’s not hitting, he’s not super useful.

His time at Round Rock was productive, to say the least, mashing to an .867 OPS in 85 at-bats with the team, putting the Rangers in a tough spot: too good for the minors, but not enough production in the majors.

Solak really needs to hope that hot-hitting form follows him to Arlington for this second chance, because he’s certainly a player that could find himself on the roster bubble in 2022 given the phenomenal depth Texas has at middle infield in its minor league ranks.

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