Texas Rangers

Profar Returns to The Rangers Lineup

Remember that one time when Jurickson Profar was the second baseman of the future for the Rangers?

It’s back to the future Friday night as Profar is penciled into the starting lineup at second and will hit leadoff against the Pirates. Rougned Odor starts his seven game suspension for “The Punch” in that epic brawl with the Blue Jays earlier this month.

Profar was called up from Triple-A Round Rock as the Rangers placed reliever Shawn Tolleson on the family medical emergency list. Profar has played a majority of games at shortstop with Round Rock this season.

Many believed he would play second for years to come after the Rangers traded All-Star Ian Kinsler to Detroit, but the 23-year old has been sidelined for two straight seasons due to injuries. Odor took his place instead. But now Profar is back in the spot many envisioned him two years ago.

“The one thing I encouraged him to do is just think about how it’s just a baseball game,” said Rangers manager Jeff Banister. “He needs to go out there and play the game of baseball just like he’s been doing down at Round Rock. Obviously when he walks out there and see’s the fans, he’s going to have some excitement also.”

Profar arrived on the scene in the fall of 2012 and had a home run and a double in his debut. He now returns in the spring of 2016 with Rangers fans hoping for the same kind of result.

First pitch tonight at Globe Life Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

Contact Us