Here's a current prediction for Rangers' roster

March 5th, 2019
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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.

      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.

      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

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      T.R. Sullivan covered the Rangers starting in 1989, and for MLB.com from 2006-2020.