Alex Rios will soon be back, and then perhaps gone.
As next week’s trade deadline approaches, the Rangers’ right fielder continues to be a hot commodity on a really cold, lifeless team. The Rangers’ 14-inning loss in New York dropped them 20 games under .500, their playoff hopes long ago drowned by injuries.
Rios should return to the lineup tonight after awkwardly twisting his right ankle on a foul-ball swing in Toronto last weekend. But his days in Texas may be numbered.
According to CBS insider Jon Heyman, Rios is attracting interest from teams like the Blue Jays, Royals, Mariners and Giants. Though his power numbers are down (four homers, 42 RBI), the 33-year-old Rios still hits for average (.304) and has above-average speed and arm.
The Rangers have a team option for Rios for 2015 and a $1 million buyout of his contract. Rios does own a veto clause to six teams, including the Royals.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
