Mazara Makes Big Splash in Cactus Opener

We'll make the disclaimer we always make at the beginning of Cactus League play — temper your expectations.

Remember Michael Choice.

Guys can have stependous springs and then do absolutely nothing and get designated for assignment before you know it. Then, there's Nomar Mazara.

Mazara isn't getting DFAed any time in the foreseeable future, and even though it was a just a spring opener against the world champion Royals, playing well is better than doing nothing any time, and Mazara played pretty well on Wednesday.

Mazara replaced Shin-Soo Choo in right field on Wednesday, hitting second in the order, and proceeded to go 3-for-3 with two runs and four RBIs — not a bad first showing with the big boys. He opened up a close game in the ninth with a three-run laser shot over the right-field wall to give the Rangers a 6-2 win over the Royals.

"I've been seeing pitches pretty good," the 20-year-old Dominican told reporters after the game. "I'm not trying to do too much, take it at-bat to at-bat and put a good swing on it. I always go out there and try to give my best, 100 percent. Develop myself every day, prove myself and try to get the experience so I can get the most out of this."

Mazara basically has no chance to make the Opening Day roster, and that should be seen as a good thing, Rangers fans. In fact, in a best-case scenario, Mazara probably doesn't sniff Arlington this year because that means Ian Desmond has worked out nicely or Josh Hamilton is healthy and producing.

Sports Connection

Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.

Sweet 16, Elite 8 games will mean big bucks for Dallas

West-leading Stars wrap up playoff spot, beating Canucks Thursday for 6th straight victory

Rangers Spring Training 2016

But man, it sure looks like this kid is going to be special. He's not Michael Choice.

Copyright FREEL - NBC Local Media
Contact Us