Why Rangers' Wyatt Langford replacement was best bet for roster at the moment

The Texas Rangers did not envision all these injuries plaguing their roster to begin the 2024 season, but here we are.

It feels like one big never-ending nightmare for the defending World Series champions. The latest casualty is rookie sensation Wyatt Langford. He is expected to miss the next 3-4 weeks with a hamstring injury. The Rangers recalled outfielder third baseman Jonathan Ornelas from the Round Rock Express to replace Langford's bat in the lineup.

Why was he the Rangers' choice?

Texas Rangers News: Jonathan Ornelas recalled from Triple-A

Rangers fans are wondering why the Rangers went with Ornelas instead of Sam Huff or Dustin Harris. Ornelas was recalled from the Express because of how well he's been hitting. Across 24 games, the 23-year-old has a .278 batting average with two home runs and eleven RBI. This move also gives the Rangers insurance if one of their infielders somehow get injured during Ornelas' stay.

Huff wasn't a viable option because he plays catcher. The only way that Huff would be recalled to the Rangers was if Jonah Heim or Andrew Knizner were to get hurt. While Dustin Harris was another option to call up to replace Langford, Bochy likely preferred Ornelas's big-league experience over Harris' great hitting with the Express. It's not a knock against Harris by any means -- it's probably just because the Rangers are so thin that they need the best bet possible.

Recalling Ornelas from the Round Rock Express was the right move. He can provide you with a capable bat as well as adequate defensive insurance. Evan Carter and Travis Jankowski can hold down the fort in left field until Langford is recovered.

For now, at 21-16, the Rangers are getting the job done, and hoepfully Ornelas can join the party and contribute to the hodge podge of what will be an incredible Sporcle quiz at season's end.