With 3 Injured Starting Infielders, Texas Rangers Again Turn To Ezequiel Durán, Who's Having Another Stellar Spring
Ezequiel Durán is at it again.
The Texas Rangers' super utility player is having another outstanding spring training. He hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning Monday against the Los Angeles Angels in a Cactus League game in Tempe, Ariz.
Duran was batting .343 with 12 hits in 13 spring games after going 2 for 2 with a walk on Monday.
Duran's defensive versatility has seldom been more necessary, with three of the Rangers starting infielders out with injuries. That includes third baseman Josh Jung (left calf strain), first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (oblique strain), and shortstop Corey Seager, who is recovering from sports hernia surgery on Jan. 30.
Jung is expected to be available for the Rangers' final two exhibition games against the Boston Red Sox on March 25-26 at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Monday morning that Jung has been swinging the bat, but his running is still limited.
Seager has only taken light swings so far. Bochy said he'll have a better idea of Seager's timetable for return next week.
Lowe is likely to be out through the first week of the regular season, which begins March 28 against the Chicago Cubs.
Duran's exceptional spring is nothing new for the 24-year-old. He's a career .361 hitter in Cactus League play with a 1.045 OPS, six homers, nine doubles, and 30 RBI.
In 2023, Duran played 37 games at shortstop, 22 games at third base, 34 games in left field, nine games at second base, two games at first base, and one game in right field.
Other options to fill in at first, third, and short include Josh Smith, Matt Duffy, Justin Foscue, and Davis Wendzel.
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