This Ranger utility man is showing why he will never be an everyday player

There is a reason that Texas Rangers utility man Ezequiel Duran has been asked to play several different positions over the last two seasons and is constantly on the short list to be demoted, traded or DFA'd. His defensive play costs the team.

While valued for his versatility, ever since his 102 games played and 406 at-bat season in 2023, Duran has shown he cannot be relied upon with his glove to be considered for an everyday role.

Duran is a liability on defense for Texas

Duran got the start at second base on Saturday for the slumping Josh Smith because he has a great history against Mariners starter George Kirby. He managed to get to the Seattle ace for two more singles in three at-bats, but his hitting is being overshadowed.

The most important play of the game was his wild throw to second base on a hard-hit grounder by Luke Raley that ended up in left field, putting runners on second and third with just one out. Dominic Canzone followed with a single up the middle, putting the Mariners up 3-0 and costing Nathan Eovaldi two unearned runs. They were the runs that put Seattle up for good.

Later in the game, he lollygagged a routine throw to first that pulled Jake Burger off the bag. Burger made a nice play and turned the errant throw into an out.

These are just the latest examples of how Duran's poor defense has cost the Rangers runs and is testing the patience of Skip Schumaker. The Rangers' manager has to be concerned with his inconsistent glove and arm and wondering whether he can continue to give him so much playing time.

Duran has played poor defense at three different positions already this season

Although the costly wild throw was his first official error of the season, Duran badly misplayed a fly ball in left on the warning track against the Athletics in a loss and showed a complete lack of spatial awareness and body control. Duran was filling in for the injured Wyatt Langford.

In the same series, he lost a routine pop-up in the sun while playing shortstop with hissunglasses on the brim of his cap instead of over his eyes. It was another careless oversight that could have helped him make the play, instead of scurrying away and letting the ball drop for a hit.

Despite the frustrating loss on Saturday, the Rangers are playing well and should be encouraged by their successful start to the season.

Still, as Smith continues to struggle at the plate and the team is trying to shore up the second base position following the Marcus Semien trade, Duran's nonchalant, shoddy effort at multiple positions is making it clear why the organization is reluctant to give him a more substantial everyday role.

Even though he ended the game going 3-5, the hits were not enough to make up for the crucial error that gave the Mariners all the momentum in their home ballpark. Everyday players are dependable on both offense and defense.

Like it or not, the Rangers are now a team that is built and prides itself on being elite defensively and on the mound. Duran is making too many costly mistakes despite his recent success on offense.

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