Texas’ season plans are being disrupted.
MLB.com, the official MLB website, reported that Texas Rangers outfielder Leody Taveras was injured on March 7 (Korean time).
Taveras felt a pull in his left side during batting practice the day before and missed the demonstration game. According to MLB.com, the Texas team announced that day that Taveras had a low-grade strain in his left oblique muscle and would need a recovery period of about two weeks.
MLB.com said, “Pitchers such as Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eboldi, and John Gray are feeling a little uncomfortable, but Taveras is in worse shape than them.” 더블유 토토
That’s pretty bad news for Texas. Taveras, a right-handed center fielder born in 1998, was supposed to be the starting center fielder for Texas this year. Taveras, who debuted in the big leagues in 2020 as a top prospect on a Texas team, recorded .226/.280/.344 with 12 homers, 49 RBIs and 29 steals in 181 games over three seasons.
Taveras was improving little by little last year, hitting .261/.309/.366 with 5 homers, 34 RBIs and 11 stolen bases in 99 games. He had a batting average of .400 in 5 games in this spring camp exhibition game.
As the best prospect, Texas will not be in a hurry. According to MLB.com, general manager Chris Young said, “The most important thing is for Taberas to come back to 100%. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
As a fielder, not a pitcher, it is not impossible to join the opening roster even if there is a gap of two weeks. Just in case, you have to be prepared. MLB.com pointed out that prospective Bubba Thompson, starting right fielder Adolis Garcia, invited players Clint Frazier and Travis Yankowski are candidates to take over as center fielder if Taveras’ departure is prolonged.