Ezequiel Duran Staying in Texas Rangers Lineup
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Ezequiel Durán isn’t going anywhere.
Despite star shortstop Corey Seager beginning a rehab assignment with the goal of return to the Texas Rangers lineup next week, manager Bruce Bochy plans to keep the super-utility Durán busy.
Durán is going to play somehow, somewhere.
“You can play him anywhere out there,” Bochy said recently, according to MLB.com. “There is just so much to like about this kid.”
Durán will be back at short as the American League West-leading Rangers (22-14) open a four-game series at the last-place Oakland Athletics (8-30) on Thursday night at 8:40 p.m. CT. Nathan Eovaldi (4-2, 3.22) starts for Texas, while the A’s haven’t named a starter.
As much as second baseman Marcus Semien and the Rangers want Seager back in the middle infield, the play of Durán has not disappointed.
“His footwork looks great,” Semien said. “He’s always been a confident hitter, a clutch hitter. I’ve always been a big fan of his and I’m happy to see him get the playing time and produce.”
Durán is slashing .305/.340/.474/.814 with four home runs and 16 RBI in 29 games. He’s raised his batting average from .150 over the last 20 games, and has multi-hits in eight of those games.
“I’ve been working really hard and all the results that are coming in right now are paying off,” Durán said through interpreter Raul Cardenas. “I've been working hard on my approach and I’m doing a lot of things just to kind of keep my head right.”
With the inevitable return of Seager, questions have been raised about finding a spot for Durán. Bochy has said his playing time will continue, whether that’s throughout the outfield, at designated hitter or giving third baseman Josh Jung or Seager a night off.
Wherever it is, the Rangers want Durán in the lineup.
“He plays with no fear on both sides of the ball,” Bochy said. “It has been a joy to watch how this kid has come along. It’s been a heck of a month for him.”
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