What Rangers Selecting Jarred Kelenic’s Contract Tells Us About Team’s Goals

The Texas Rangers made a small move leading up to Tuesday’s game that they hope will pay off big down the line.

Rangers pinch runner Jarred Kelenic. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Texas Rangers called up Jonah Bride last weekend to help shore up their infield depth. On Tuesday they decided they needed something else.

Before Tuesday's game with the Los Angeles Angels the Rangers called up outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Round Rock and designated Bride for assignment, removing him from the 40-man roster to create space for Kelenic. Bride lasted just a few games with Texas.

Kelenic has already played for the Rangers once this year and went through the DFA process. He ended up back with the Rangers organization after he tested free agency and found no takers. Now, looking ahead to the road trip, there's are good reasons why the Rangers have opted to call him up now.

Why Jarred Kelenic Now?

Texas Rangers third baseman Jonah Bride. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Kelenic has continued to produce at the minor league level. This season the 27-year-old former first-round pick has a slash of .310/.408/.584 with 13 home runs and 42 RBI. That didn’t translate as the Rangers had hoped in the Majors. In seven games with Texas, he slashed just .125/.300/.125.

When Texas selected his contract originally in on June 19, Evan Carter was on the injured list. The Rangers needed outfield depth. Once Carter returned, Kelenic went through the DFA process. This time, Carter is healthy, as is left fielder Wyatt Langford. So why the need now?

Before the move the Rangers only had three dedicated outfielders, along with right fielder Brandon Nimmo. They had other players who could play in the outfield, including Ezequiel Duran and Cameron Cauley. But calling Kelenic up now gives the Rangers late game flexibility.

While his bat hasn't cooperated, he has a solid glove and can be a late defensive replacement at any position. With the Angels set to start three straight right-handers the rest of the series Carter is likely to start all three games. But Kelenic could be a good matchup this weekend against the Athletics if they start any left-handers. Additionally, the Rangers can’t bring Alejandro Osuna back unless someone gets hurt since he was optioned last weekend.

This move also has something to do with the infield rotation. Bride started at third because Ezequiel Duran was needed at other positions due to health issues and matchups. With third baseman Josh Jung out due to injury, Duran is the starting third baseman, alongside Corey Seager at shortstop, Nicky Lopez or Justin Foscue at second base and Jake Burger at first base.

Bride was needed on a short-term basis to get Texas through some matchup issues due to healthy and left-handed pitching. Now that Texas is past that, Bride can be removed from the roster.

It's a bit cold. But the Rangers are trying to win a division title. And that means every move matters, even one involving a pair of backup position players.