Here's a current prediction for Rangers' roster
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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers are about halfway through Spring Training, and their projected Opening Day roster doesn’t seem to have changed much since they arrived in Arizona.
But there are some subtle differences that could arise in the final three weeks before the Rangers face the Cubs on March 28.
Catcher (2): Jeff Mathis, Isiah Kiner-Falefa
What could change: The Rangers have three veteran catchers in camp on Minor League deals: Jett Bandy, Adam Moore and Tony Sanchez. One of those could be a suitable backup to Mathis if the Rangers decide Kiner-Falefa needs more Minor League development as a catcher.
First base (1): Ronald Guzman
What could change: Guzman is not guaranteed a spot on the Opening Day roster. The Rangers could go in another direction if he struggles in Spring Training. But so far, he hasn’t. Guzman has looked terrific this spring.
Second base (1): Rougned Odor
What could change: Nothing. The big mystery is if the Rangers will carry an experienced middle infielder as their utility player.
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Third base (1): Asdrubal Cabrera
What could change: The Rangers have Patrick Wisdom and Matt Davidson in camp. Theoretically, one of them could upend Cabrera and win the starting third-base job. But that is increasingly unlikely. Cabrera looks comfortable at third base despite his inexperience there and looks set as the everyday starter.
Shortstop (1): Elvis Andrus
What could change: Nothing. But an unanswered question is who would play shortstop if Andrus misses an extended period of time because of injury?
Outfield (6): Joey Gallo, Delino DeShields, Nomar Mazara, Shin-Soo Choo, Willie Calhoun, Hunter Pence
What could change: Possibly the biggest mystery in camp is if the Rangers will carry both Calhoun and Pence instead of either a utility middle infielder or an eighth reliever. Pence has yet to play the outfield because of a sore right shoulder, and that could be a problem
Utility player (1): Logan Forsythe
What could change: This began as a battle between Davidson and Wisdom, a pair of corner infielders with no experience in the middle of the diamond. But Forsythe offers more utility with the ability to play all four infield positions and the corner outfield spots. The Rangers could use both Forsythe and one of the corner infielders, but not if they keep both Pence and Calhoun, or an eighth reliever.
Starting pitchers (5): Mike Minor, Lance Lynn, Drew Smyly, Edinson Volquez, Shelby Miller
What could change: The big question is if Smyly, Volquez and Miller are completely recovered from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. The signs have been encouraging to this point. By the end of camp, Adrian Sampson, Jason Hammel, Ariel Jurado and Yohander Mendez will be stretched out and ready to step in if any of the five projected starters have a setback.
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Relief pitchers (7): Jose Leclerc, Chris Martin, Shawn Kelley, Zach McAllister, Jesse Chavez, Jeffrey Springs, Connor Sadzeck
What could change: Brett Martin or Kyle Bird could push Springs for a job as the left-handed setup reliever. Rule 5 Draft pick Jordan Romano has been impressive from the right side.
The Rangers have yet to make any roster moves. The first ones to be moved in Spring Training are usually the young players on the 40-man roster who can be optioned to the Minor Leagues.
CATCHERS
Jeff Mathis
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
INFIELDERS
Ronald Guzman
Rougned Odor
Elvis Andrus
Asdrubal Cabrera
OUTFIELDERS
Joey Gallo
Delino DeShields
Nomar Mazara
Willie Calhoun
Shin-Soo Choo
Hunter Pence
UTILITY PLAYER
Logan Forsythe
STARTING PITCHERS
Mike Minor
Lance Lynn
Drew Smyly
Edinson Volquez
Shelby Miller
RELIEF PITCHERS
Jose Leclerc
Shawn Kelley
Jesse Chavez
Chris Martin
Zach McAllister
Jeffrey Springs
Connor Sadzeck
INJURED LIST
OF Scott Heineman
RHP Luke Farrell