When the Texas Rangers signed J.P. Arencibia to a free agent deal prior to this season, the move was made hoping he would provide some power to a pretty powerless lineup from 2013, especially considering that Arencibia's one trick in his bag is his power.
In his 20 games this season before being sent down to the minors, Arencibia was easily the worst hitter in baseball among semi-regulars, as he was then splitting catching duties with Robinson Chirinos before Chirinos won the job with his stellar play behind the plate.
Now, Arencibia is back after he was promoted on Thursday and will be joining the Rangers, along with fellow catcher Geovany Soto, on Friday in Toronto. The Rangers now have four catchers on the roster, with the three aforementioned players along with Chris Gimenez. Arencibia is set to see most of his time at first base after the Rangers DFA'ed Carlos Pena.
In those 20 games earlier this season, Arencibia compiled a .133 batting average and a .182 on-base percentage. He had one homer and six RBIs and get this, he had one more strikeout (15) than total bases (14).
In fairness, Arencibia was good at Round Rock, but we'll just have to see how his .279 batting average, 14 homers and 41 RBIs in 48 games translates back to Arlington.
