We knew coming into the 2013 season that there would be a platoon situation in center field this year for the Texas Rangers, and so far, it's played out literally, as Craig Gentry will get his second start in today's home opener, in the Rangers' fourth game of the season.
In the Rangers' three games so far, Gentry has definitely had the upper hand over rookie Leonys Martin, who entered the season coming off a blistering spring performance but has yet to get a hit in his two starts, striking out twice in seven plate appearances.
In Gentry's lone start against the Houston Astros on Tuesday, he went 2-for-4 with a ground-rule double and a triple, scoring twice. The ground-rule double probably would have been a triple if an Astros fan down the right-field line in foul territory hadn't picked up the ball.
Gentry also had a great spring, hitting .351 with a .431 on-base percentage, earning praise from manager Ron Washington as one of the best players in spring training.
If Gentry has another solid game in the home opener he could take the lead in the battle for playing time, even if it means getting some starts against right-handed pitching over the left-handed Martin.
