What Is Ezequiel Duran's Place With Texas Rangers? A Little Bit Of Everywhere. And He's Fine With It.
How does manager Bruce Bochy work utilityman Ezequiel Duran into the lineup for the Texas Rangers? Right now, he's not sure.
That's not a problem for the Rangers at the start of spring training. It's possibly a good thing, given that the Rangers are stacked across multiple levels to where playing time is a gift instead of a necessity like in years past.
Texas returns eight starters from its World Series roster, including rookie left fielder and spark plug Evan Carter. Wyatt Langford and Justin Foscue are competing for a spot — perhaps as the permanent designated hitter — on the 26-man roster.
And then there's Duran, who flashed promising power in place of Corey Seager at shortstop. He was exceptional at the plate with three home runs and a .357/.390/.714 slash line in 26 spring games.
The 24-year-old is looking for his spot on the field. So is Bochy. Now comes the part of figuring out where the two can co-exist.
“Wherever they put me, I’m ready to play," Duran said Thursday through interpreter Raul Cardenas.
Bochy has time — and innings — to figure out Duran's ideal spot. It could be more of the same from last spring when Duran filled in everywhere in the Cactus League.
He played 58 innings at third base, 28 innings in left field, 27 innings at shortstop, 11 innings at second base, and one inning in right field. With Seager and Josh Jung sidelined with injuries this spring, most of his work will come on the left side of the field this spring.
Seager and Jung are expected to be cleared for Opening Day. Neither All-Star is in jeopardy of losing their spot in the lineup.
Seager missed 31 games in 2023 and still finished second in American League MVP voting. He's locked up in Arlington for another seven years. Second base likely is another position off the table after Marcus Semien led the American League with 185 hits and has a long-term deal.
As for the outfield, with Adolis Garcia in right and Leody Taveras in center, the competition for left comes down to a mix of Carter, Langford, Duran, and veteran defensive replacement Travis Jankowski.
Designated hitter remains a mystery with Mitch Garver's departure to Seattle. Bochy won't rule out any player seeing exclusive action at DH. Duran started 21 games at DH and slashed .269/.349/.439 in 2023.
This spring, Bochy puts a priority on seeing players work at multiple positions, especially Duran. During spring training a year ago, he never saw action at DH. But he's fine with the role if called upon.
"You’re always paying attention to what goes on during the game and [know] always to be ready to prepare yourself for that next at-bat all the time, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to help the team win," Duran said.
A full season of Duran could give fans a better look at his upside. Is Duran the consistent .300 hitter with more power? Was his time in place of Seager a flash in the pan that's since cooled?
Duran is ready for whatever is asked of him. He's appreciative of the chance to compete with a champion-contending team and feels wanted by those in the locker room.
"It's good to have that feeling, knowing they have that confidence in him," Duran said through Cardenas. "It gives me a little bit more energy to go out and do the things that they have that confidence in me."
Duran has the confidence. The Rangers have the confidence.
Now, it's all about finding a position. If there is one.
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