4 Rangers who could get cut, but make impact

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and Chris Taylor have all had significant roles for the Dodgers in winning the National League pennant the last two years.

They have something else in common, as Rangers manager Chris Woodward reminds some of his players. Woodward, who was the Dodgers' third-base coach from 2016-18, points out Taylor and Bellinger weren’t on Los Angeles' Opening Day roster in 2017, and Muncy wasn’t there in '18.

Here are four guys on the Rangers' 40-man roster who might not be on the Opening Day roster, but could still make significant contributions for Texas before the season is over.

1B/3B Patrick WisdomPatrick Wisdom

With Asdrúbal Cabrera locked in at third base, Wisdom is in competition with Matt Davidson for a spot on the bench. They can both play the infield corners, but Davidson has more Major League experience than Wisdom, hitting 46 home runs for the White Sox over the past two seasons.

Wisdom, acquired from the Cardinals in December, played 312 games at Triple-A Memphis over the past three years, but he went 13-for-50 (.260) with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 32 games with the Cardinals last season. He may just need a team to take a chance on him.

“Just go out there and play the game,” Wisdom said. “I’m a competitive guy. You’ve got to embrace the competition. The more the merrier. Competition is only going to make you a better player, regardless of the situation.”

OF Willie CalhounWillie Calhoun

Calhoun has 236 games of Triple-A experience over the past two years so like Wisdom, he has little left to prove at that level. But he appears to be in direct competition with veteran Hunter Pence for the fourth outfield spot.

Pence is a right-handed hitter who could fit better on a team with five projected starters who hit from the left side. He could also become a free agent if he is not on the Opening Day roster. Those are two factors that weigh in Pence’s favor. But he is also dealing with a sore right shoulder.

“I feel like I am in a race with myself,” Calhoun said. “Looking at that stuff won’t help me on the field. I use [Pence] as a guy who can help me. It has been really cool to have him.”

C Jose TrevinoJose Trevino

Trevino went 2-for-8 in three games with the Rangers last season, including a game-winning hit in a 13-12 win over the Rockies on June 17. But he sustained a left shoulder injury four days later while playing for Double-A Frisco and missed the rest of the season.

Trevino has won two Gold Gloves in the Minor Leagues. If his bat comes around, he could provide some necessary depth at catcher at some point during the season.

“Whatever happens, happens,” Trevino said. “I can’t control that. Just go out and give it my best effort.”

OF Carlos TocciCarlos Tocci

The Rangers had to carry Tocci on the roster last season because of his Rule 5 status, and he hit .225 in 65 games in a limited reserve role. But he batted .353 over his last 18 games, and the Rangers still consider him a standout defensive center fielder.

Conventional wisdom suggests Tocci needs more time in the Minor Leagues, but if his offense continues to progress, he could have an impact in Arlington at some point during the season.

“I haven’t seen a whole lot of Carlos,” Woodward said. “I really look forward to seeing what he brings. I know he can really defend in center field. We’ll see where the swing is at.”