Jurickson Profar was once the top prospect in baseball, and it wasn't that long ago.
He's still just 23 years old and he's basically been forgotten by Rangers fans as he's missed the past two seasons with a lingering shoulder issue that was finally repaired with surgery. Now, he's good to go, and he's playing well at Triple-A with the idea of trying to get a retooling season under his belt.
He's pretty much blocked positionally in Arlington by second baseman Rougned Odor and shortstop Elvis Andrus, whose position Profar has been playing exclusively this year as it's natural position, as well.
But on Tuesday, Profar was in the lineup for Triple-A Round Rock at second base, which was the first time he'd played second base in a pro game since September 2013.
"We think it's necessary that Profar have some reps at second," manager Jeff Banister told reporters. "It could possibly be a move, if we need to.''
Odor is appealing his 8-game suspension, but whether he wins that appeal or not, he's going to be serving some time regardless, and serving it soon as appeals are usually heard pretty quickly.
The Rangers can't make a corresponding roster move to replace Odor, but they'll want to bring up another infielder as Hanser Alberto would theoretically start at second base and leave the Rangers with no true backup infielder unless you count Ryan Rua, who's more of an outfielder now.
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It's safe to bet the Rangers will give Profar a little taste of big-league action — his first since 2013 — and see what he can do. At worst, he struggles and goes back to raking in Triple-A to get a full season of at-bats in. At best, he excels and drives up his trade value for the upcoming trade season. Either way, it's going to be a good thing.
