Texas Rangers: Zach Reks showing he belongs early on

You might not have known the name even just a week ago, but Zach Reks is already making it count with the Texas Rangers.

Reks, 28, was a Rangers trade acquisition from the LA Dodgers last off-season in an unheralded move. Since being called up on April 30 from AAA Round Rock (which sent Spencer Howard down to take his place), Reks has mashed with Texas, with a 1.000 OPS, albeit across a miniscule sample size. He’s finally getting his chance, though, and running with it early on.

The outfield situation in Arlington is less than ideal at the moment, with Willie Calhoun in the minors and wanting out and veteran Kole Calhoun struggling, leaving Adolis Garcia as the only real viable option out there for now. Could Reks be on his way to providing some stability? The Rangers could sure use that.

Zach Reks is playing well early in his Texas Rangers tenure

Reks has always been touted for his contact skills, and those are evident, judging by his most recent clutch two-run double with the bases loaded in the sixth inning to put the Texas Rangers ahead for good in their 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.

With all the talent on the Dodgers’ roster, Reks’ path to playing time in Los Angeles was always going to be short-circuited. With the Texas Rangers, the 28-year-old has a chance to blossom now that he should see regular at-bats.

It’s no coincidence that since Reks’ call-up, the Rangers have won three out of their last four games, including a series win over the defending champion Braves, with his presence rejuvenating a sleeping lineup.

The results may still be scarce for now, but Zach Reks easily gives the Texas Rangers one of their better options in the outfield for now while the position is still in relative flux. It’s about time this team had some solutions for their weakest positional group.