In the spring of 2013, Jurickson Profar was one of the hottest prospects in baseball. Reports floated around about him being a part of a package deal for either Giancarlo Stanton or David Price. The Rangers even traded away Ian Kinsler after the 2013 season, in part, because they believed Profar could become their everyday second basemen.
Then his career took an unfortunate pit-fall. He missed all of the 2014 and ’15 seasons due to injury. After several shoulder injuries and surgeries, most Rangers fans were wishing the club had traded him. He spent time rehabbing when many expected him to be one of the league’s premier young players.
Now it’s 2016 and Jurickson is back on the field for the Rangers in a different capacity. Rougned Odor swung his way into a 7-game suspension and Jurickson may have used that opportunity to swing his way on to the Ranger’s 25-man roster. Now because of Odor’s strong play over the past season and change, there is no longer room for Profar on the Ranger’s infield. Surprisingly, the spot Profar may continue to occupy in the lineup is the least expected one. He may become the Rangers new designated-hitter until he cools off or Prince Fielder puts it back together.
Jurickson was only called up to hold Odor’s spot in line while he was suspended. He used that opportunity to showcase all the abilities everyone projected he would have. He may well be playing over his head, but you have to credit him for doing it at the best time possible. Over the past 9-games (when he was called up), Profar has a 9-game hit streak (with multiple hits in 7 of those games), is batting .390, and has struck out just six times.
He has also played excellent defense and has shown decent versatility throughout his career. Jurickson's best value may be that he can play middle-infield, outfield, and DH when called upon. If he can just stay healthy then he could be a key component to Rangers’ 2016 season.
