Rangers send top prospects Profar, Gallo, Mazara to minors

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) The Texas Rangers optioned slugger Joey Gallo, infielder Jurickson Profar and outfielder Nomar Mazara - their three top position player prospects - to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday.

The 22-year-old Gallo hit .286 with a team-leading three home runs in 28 at-bats. The third baseman has led three different minor leagues in home runs, but his path is blocked by All-Star Adrian Beltre.

Profar, who was the youngest player to appear in the majors in both 2012 and 2013, had been limited to 12 games the past two years because of a shoulder injury that required surgery last February.

Mazara, 20, hit .358 in 20 games last season after an August promotion. He hit .375 in 12 spring games.

The Rangers also assigned non-roster invites outfielder Lewis Brinson and infielders Ryan Cordell and Drew Robinson to minor league camp.