German

Duran

The deal includes a spring training invite. Duran, 27, played last season in independent ball and the Mexican League. He hasn’t played in the majors since 2008 as a member of the Rangers and should be considered a longshot to make the Opening Day roster.

Duran was a very pleasant surprise this year, hitting .300/.352/.525 for Double-A Frisco, but he still only got his AFL spot because Joaquin Arias wasn’t yet ready to take part. While Duran is expected to see time at short over the next two months, he’s more of a fit at second and third. He projects as a utilityman, though there’s time for that to change.

Duran was dumped from the Rangers’ 40-man roster last week to clear a spot for Willie Eyre. He had a disappointing .149 batting average in 87 at-bats for Triple-A Oklahoma City and will simply provide organizational depth for the Astros. He’ll be assigned to Triple-A Round Rock after a routine physical exam.

The Rangers needed a spot on the 40-man roster for Willie Eyre. Duran told reporters Friday that he hopes to stay with the organization, but he’ll first have to clear waivers. He had a measly .149 batting average through 87 at-bats for Triple-A Oklahoma City, so there’s a chance he’ll squeak through.

Duran was claimed off waivers from the Rangers on July 1. The 25-year-old hit just .167 with one home run and 10 RBI in 43 games between Triple-A Oklahoma and Double-A Corpus Christi and is now off the 40-man roster.

The writing was on the wall for Duran when the Rangers opted to move Hank Blalock back to third base. He’s hit .225/.279/.363 in 102 at-bats for Texas this season.

Duran just returned Sunday after missing five weeks with torn ligaments in his left thumb. He’ll be a backup at second and third this month. Unless Hank Blalock gets hurt, he probably won’t have any fantasy value.

The Rangers had to wait 10 days to recall Duran, but he’s back now, giving the team the backup infielder it hasn’t had since Travis Metcalf was demoted. He shouldn’t have fantasy value.

Duran was optioned back to Triple-A on July 20 after a poor showing in the bigs, and is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

This isn’t good for the organization or the player. Third base is just as much of a problem spot as first base for the Rangers, and at least they have a top prospect at first in Chris Davis. Blalock has only occasionally hit like a legitimate first baseman in his career, and he could cost himself quite a bit of money going forward unless he returns to third later this year. That’s probably what will happen. The switch might help Blalock stay healthy and work out in the short-term, but Blalock shouldn’t be the Rangers’ first baseman in 2009. Ramon Vazquez and German Duran will keep playing third for now. Chris Shelton figures to lose his spot once Blalock is activated.