As I was sitting in attendance at Globe Life Park for Joey Gallo's big-league debut, I was blown away with the amount of energy in that place over the most anticipated prospect debut since Pudge Rodriguez's in 1991.
The 21-year-old slugger has been an absolute joy to watch, both because of his prodigious home runs and because of his veteran approach to the game and the way he carries himself, but his days in Arlington are likely numbered, and they should be.
Gallo's promotion on June 2 was made with the caveat he'd be sent to Triple-A Round Rock when Adrian Beltre returned from the disabled list — a promotion for him since he came to the bigs straight from Double-A.
On Tuesday, Beltre was activated off the disabled list as relief pitcher Jon Edwards was sent down, not Gallo. That's because Gallo has been playing in left field recently, and that's where he was when Beltre returned to third base on Tuesday night.
With Delino DeShields and Josh Hamilton both on the DL, there is room in the Rangers' outfield for Gallo to play every day, but Hamilton is set to return on Monday in Baltimore, and that should be it for Gallo as Hamilton will once again become the everyday left fielder.
There is absolutely no reason for Gallo to be in Arlington unless he can play every day, and when Hamilton returns, he won't be able to. He'll then head to Triple-A, learn to dominate Triple-A pitching and try to curb his strikeouts a bit as he's fanned 31 times in 19 games.
It might not be the most fun thing for Rangers fans, but don't worry, you'll see him again.
