Rangers manager Ron Washington first floated the possibility last month, but it’s finally happening.
Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram brings word that Jurickson Profar will make his first career start in left field in tonight’s game against the Astros. The 20-year-old has never played the outfield in pro ball, but the Rangers have had him work with outfield coach Gary Pettis over the past couple of weeks. While it’s a little surprising that they didn’t have him get any reps in the minors first, they are ready to embark on the experiment.
Profar is batting .259/.325/.380 with three home runs and nine RBI in 132 plate appearances at the major league level this season. It has been a challenge to find him playing time since Ian Kinsler returned from the disabled list, so the Rangers are hopeful that adding the outfield to his resume will help justify keeping him with the big club. The team still views him as a middle infielder in the long-term.