Texas Rangers announce Opening Day Roster

Bench

Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran- Left Field/utility infielder

Brad Miller- 1b/DH

Bubba Thompson, Travis Jankowski- Outfielders

Placing both Odorizzi and Otto on the 60-day IL opened up two spots on the 40-man roster. The second spot went to Travis Jankowski. Until Taveras returns Jankowski and Bubba Thompson will likely share that fourth outfielder role, play some center field, and be called upon in late game situations as either a pinch runner or defensive replacement.

Bochy emphasized throughout spring training that he wanted to break camp with the best 26 players. Placing both Josh Smith and Ezequiel Duran on the roster accomplishes that. Previous Rangers seasons would have likely seen one or both of them start the season at Round Rock to continue developing. The team is focused on winning in 2023 and that starts with the makeup of the Opening Day roster.

If the starting rotation can stay healthy, the bullpen can be solid when called upon, and the lineup can produce from the top of the lineup to the bottom the Rangers will be a contender this season. The bar to make the playoffs has been lowered. The Phillies and Padres both proved last season that if the Rangers can get into the tournament they will have as good of a shot at making the World Series as the best teams in the league.