ARLINGTON -- Wyatt Langford drifted back toward the left-field wall at Globe Life Field.

The ball off the bat of Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim flew through the air as it was almost sure to fall just in front of the first row of seats in left field. But Langford leapt at the wall to bring it back, robbing Kim of a home run and saving Rangers starting pitcher Max Scherzer from allowing two early runs.

Known more for his power and hit tool, Langford showed off all his defensive capabilities in a 3-1 loss on Thursday afternoon.

Just two innings after he robbed that home run, he showed off his arm after fielding a single through the left side of the infield from David Peralta. Donovan Solano -- who had previously reached via an RBI double off Scherzer -- took off trying to score from second.

Langford promptly delivered a perfect throw to catcher Andrew Knizner, nabbing Solano at the plate to keep it a one-run game at the time.

Langford is one of MLB 12 rookies with multiple outfield assists this year. Fellow Rangers rookie Evan Carter has three of his own. Of those assists, Langford's 91.2 mph arm strength on the throw is tied for 10th.

The rookie was the Rangers’ Opening Day designated hitter due to a crowded outfield, but he began getting more reps in left when Carter landed on the injured list with a back sprain. Langford played catcher and the infield for the majority of his amateur career, before transitioning to the outfield during his sophomore season at the University of Florida.

That move has worked out better than anybody ever expected.

The American League Rookie of the Month for June, Langford has recently hit his stride and looked like the player the Rangers always expected him to be after a slow start to the season. Over his past 15 games, Langford is hitting .340/.417/.642 with three home runs and 14 RBIs.