The Texas Rangers need outfield depth for the season’s stretch run as Josh Hamilton deals with a lingering knee injury, and they acquired some Tuesday in the form of Will Venable.
Corey Brock of MLB.com noted the San Diego Padres traded Venable to the Rangers in exchange for catcher Marcus Greene Jr. Greene is only 20 years old—he turns 21 on Wednesday—but he also underwent Tommy John surgery in June, per MLB.com.
According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the health of both Hamilton and Leonys Martin played a role in the trade:
“Will gives us some protection,” Daniels said, via Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. “We were a little thin at all three spots. He’s a professional hitter that can be used as needed. He’ll strengthen the bench and the line-up when he’s in there.”
Texas also designated Michael Choice for assignment, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
"Source: Venable cleared waivers. Owed ~$1.1M for rest of season. Other clubs surprised he went unclaimed," reported Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Venable joins the Rangers with a .258 average, six home runs, 30 RBI and 11 steals. He is not far removed from the 2013 campaign in which he drilled 22 home runs and stole 22 bases.
His speed makes him a threat on the basepaths, but it also helps him cover plenty of ground in center field. He has the versatility to play all three outfield spots if needed, which is critical because Hamilton has dealt with lingering injuries all season.
The Rangers are also eighth in the league in stolen bases this season and win plenty of games by generating runs with their speed on the basepaths. Venable fits that mold and will be comfortable creating opportunities for those behind him in the order with his speed.
He also adds a left-handed bat that can be used in strategic situations against right-handed pitching. All six of his homers this year have come off righties, and Jared Sandler of 105.3 The Fan believes Venable will be used accordingly:
Texas sat three games behind the Houston Astros and a half-game behind the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in the American League West chase entering play Tuesday. It is also right in the thick of the wild-card race as well.
Adding Venable’s versatility, speed in the outfield and left-handed bat in the lineup will help the Rangers make a final push toward the playoffs, especially if Hamilton is never fully healthy for the rest of the year.
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