Jason

Conti

Texas needs a pinch-runner and Conti has the skills to fill that role. Chad Allen is also a solid base runner and he might join the Rangers for the stretch run as well. Ramon Nivar, who is one of the organization’s speediest players, has not had a good season on the basepaths (15-for-30 in stolen base attempts at Triple-A Oklahoma) and may not be the club’s first choice on Wednesday.

The team needs to make room for Wes Helms to come off the DL.

Chad Allen will likely clear waivers as well today and join Conti with the Redhawks.

Conti went 0-for-5 with a walk during his time with the Brewers.

Conti hit .328/.381/.470 in 104 games for Triple-A Oklahoma. His ability to play center makes him a potential fifth outfielder, but because he’s a left-handed hitter like Laynce Nix, he’s not a great fit on the Rangers.

The Brewers needed another outfielder with Geoff Jenkins and Brady Clark hurting. Conti should be behind both Clark and John Vander Wal on the depth chart, so he could be sent down if the rest of Milwaukee’s outfielders get healthy.

No Scott Podsedniks here. All three outfielders might be offered minor league contracts by the organization, but if any of them begin next season in the majors, GM Doug Melvin will have done his job poorly.

A nice game, but Conti figures to remain a backup for the rest of the season.

Conti, who turns 29 in January, hit .229 in 30 games with the Brewers last season. His ability to play center gives Conti a substantial edge over Chad Allen in the competition for a bench spot, but there are still better minor league free agents available.