Utility Men Gunning for Texas Rangers Roster Spots

A pair of Texas Rangers roster hopefuls are showing their worth by playing multiple positions in Spring Training.

In Spring Training last year, Josh Smith came onto the scene in Surprise and, ahem, surprised the Texas Rangers. Now that Smith has big league experience under his belt, 2023's camp is about solidifying his spot on the roster.

Three weeks into camp, he appears to be doing just that.

Smith is 9-for-19 in his last eight spring games, along with three walks. The best part of that stretch, he's only struck out three times. Smith hit his first home run this spring in Friday's loss to the Brewers. While the Rangers are eyeing Smith as a left fielder because of roster availability, the work he's doing at shortstop is also turning heads.

Along with Smith, fellow utility man Ezequiel Duran is creating a buzz in the organization. The versatility of both players, along with their offensive production, gives Rangers manager Bruce Bochy more options.

"[Smith and Duran are] doing all the things we're asking them," Bochy said. "They're doing a good job defensively wherever we put them [and they] give [us] good at-bats. I'm happy for both of them."

Smith and Duran spent two years in the New York Yankees organization before coming to Texas in the Joey Gallo trade. They made their Major League debuts in 2022 and now are vying for Opening Day roster spots. It would be the first Major League Opening Day for both Smith and Duran.

"We've both been together for a while and have become really good friends," Duran said. "I'm super proud of him for what he's done and how much he's helped me. ... I'm happy I've got this opportunity with [Smith]."

If Smith makes the roster on Opening Day, the question becomes how the team will utilize him. In recent years the Rangers have kept a full utility man on their rosters like Charlie Culberson and Danny Santana.

Smith may also see some time at third base if the Rangers want to ease Josh Jung's workload. However, if the team chooses to use Smith, he's certainly earning his spot on the roster.

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You can find Alex Plinck on Twitter @aplinckTX.

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