Journeyman outfielder turning into key piece in Rangers’ playoff pursuit

Michael Helman has racked up some frequent flyer points in his short big league career. But this season, in particular, the 29-year-old outfielder has been hopping on planes left and right as he has played with three different organizations.

Fortunately for the Texas Rangers he has saved his best for last and has been a pivotal part of not only the big series sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers but the team's late-season push for the playoffs.

Helman has been big recently for the Rangers

Since joining the Rangers in late June after being traded from one team and released from two others this season, the Nebraska native and Texas A&M alum has been a fixture as the injury-riddled Rangers are scrapping for a playoff spot with 15 games left in the regular season.

His numbers aren't mind-boggling as he is hitting .255, but he has had some big hits, including two home runs against the Brewers that were integral in securing an impressive sweep over the team with the best record in baseball at 89-58, which was just the second time the Brewers have been swept this season.

His homer on Monday was the first Rangers' grand slam of the season and his first ever career at-bat with bases loaded, as Helman drove in all five of the runs in the 5-0 shutout win. On Tuesday, the oft-traveled centerfielder drove in two more runs that proved to be enormous for a comeback win.

Helman has also played a plus centerfield for Texas

Defensively, Helman has shown some plus range and made several highlight reel plays that have contributed to the Rangers recent success.

On Tuesday, he robbed Brice Turang of a home run with a leaping grab over the center field wall. It was one of the best defensive plays turned in all year. Jack Leiter definitely appreciated Helman's heroics as he raised both arms in celebration of the acrobatic grab.

With all the Rangers' superstars injured, Helman has been a most unlikely shot in the arm as he team makes a last season surge in an attempt to qualify for the postseason.