Kevin

Pillar

Pillar has decided to call it a career after 13 seasons in the big leagues that included stints with the Blue Jays, Giants, Mets, Angels, Braves, Red Sox, Rockies, Rangers, White Sox and Dodgers since 2013.

The 36-year-old outfielder had been designated for assignment on Sunday and passed through waivers unclaimed. Pillar appeared in 20 games with the Rangers, slashing just .209/.209/.256 with zero homers, one RBI and an 8/0 K/BB ratio across his 43 plate appearances. He could be of interest for team’s that need a strong defensive outfielder and pinch runner for their playoff push.

Pillar has been removed from Texas’ 40-man roster to clear a spot for prospect Alejandro Osuna. The 36-year-old veteran figures to pass through waivers unclaimed and will likely wind up electing free agency.

Pillar is in right field and batting eighth on Sunday afternoon in his return following a two-week absence due to a lower back strain. The 36-year-old journeyman figures to play on a semi-regular basis while former top prospect Evan Carter is on the shelf recovering from a quad strain.

It’s a frustrating development for fantasy managers since Carter, who has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 quad strain, continues to flash immense upside potential while also dealing with persistent physical issues. The 22-year-old former top prospect missed most of last year with a back injury and is likely facing a multi-week absence after struggling to a .182 batting average with one homer and three steals over 11 games since being recalled back on May 6. It’ll be Kevin Pillar and Sam Haggerty taking over in center field during his absence.

Pillar has been battling a lingering back issue the last few weeks and the Rangers are going to give him some extra time off to put the issue to bed. He’ll likely return in a couple weeks to his role as a reserve outfielder.

Pillar missed a couple of games while dealing with back soreness. He’ll return to the top of the lineup for Thursday’s finale against the A’s and left-handed hurler Jeffrey Springs. Leody Taveras will get the night off with the southpaw on the mound.

Pillar has received the occasional opportunity to lead off against southpaws this season, but he’s played sparingly overall. He’ll take a seat on Tuesday night with superstar Wyatt Langford leading off against Athletics lefty Jacob Lopez.

Pillar doubled in the second inning, then singled in the eighth on an infield hit. A runner would score on his base hit on an error, so he wasn’t credited with the RBI. The 36-year-old outfielder has helped fill in for Wyatt Langford in left field, going 7-for-20 with four runs scored.

As expected, Langford will miss Wednesday’s bout against Chicago as he undergoes further testing on his side after leaving Tuesday’s contest with tightness. With Langford out, Kevin Pillar is hitting seventh and playing left field against Chicago.