Craig Gentry came to the Texas Rangers as a valuable weapon in the field and on the basepaths. That was evident as far back as 2010 when the Rangers gave consideration to putting him in their postseason roster despite the fact he couldn't swing a bat or play in the field because of a bum wrist but he was that much of a threat on the bases as a possible pinch runner. They decided not to waste a roster spot, but look how far Gentry has come since then.
As a part-time centerfielder, Gentry was serviceable. Then came June and July, when the Rangers' lineup was struggling at an epic clip. That's when Gentry started to force his way into the lineup as he hit .356 with a .417 on-base percentage and 12 RBIs, many coming in key situations, from June 2 through July 31.
Since then, he has one start in the Rangers' 15-9 win over the Los Angeles Angels in the finale of that four-game set in Arlington. He's been used as a defensive replacement late in games and as a pinch-runner in other games, but Gentry isn't getting much love in the lineup to continue his hot bat.
Of course, it doesn't help Gentry that fellow outfielder David Murphy is on a vicious tear right now, but you'd think Washington could fit Gentry in a few times a week while DHing Hamilton or Cruz, or even Murphy. For some reason, it just hasn't happened yet.
