Travis

Metcalf

“Travis is going to be given an opportunity,” said assistant GM Thad Levine when Metcalf was called up three days ago. “We’ll evaluate it over time but for the foreseeable future, Travis will be given an opportunity.” Amazingly, all it took were two homers from a journeyman to change the team’s minds. Metcalf wasn’t likely to supply much production anyway, but the Rangers look pretty bad here. Ramon Vazquez and Matt Kata seem set to platoon at third base for now.

Metcalf also singled in the first game. He’s gotten a chance to play regularly even though manager Ron Washington indicated he preferred Jerry Hairston Jr. at second base and Ramon Vazquez at third last month. With Hank Blalock likely still a few weeks away, Metcalf has value in AL-only leagues.

An MRI confirmed the injury. The Rangers say Kinsler will miss at least three weeks. A six- to eight-week absence is a real possibility, depending on how the fracture heals. The Rangers will go with Ramon Vazquez at second and Travis Metcalf at third for now, with Jerry Hairston Jr. serving as a backup at both positions. All three should have some value in AL-only leagues until either Kinsler or Hank Blalock returns.

There’s been little indication that Hank Blalock is close to returning to third base, so Metcalf should make several starts over the final 2 1/2 weeks. He’ll take at-bats away from Ramon Vazquez.

Metcalf, 24, was hitting .294/.363/.507 in 136 at-bats while repeating the Texas League. He batted just .221/.298/.325 in 425 at-bats for Frisco last year. He is an above average defender at third, but he’d be a weak stopgap for Hank Blalock at third base. Unless they can pull off a trade, the Rangers may play him four or five times per week anyway. AL-only leaguers could do worse.

Metcalf had a great four-game series against Seattle, but an 0-for-9 versus the Royals was all it took to get him sent back down. The Rangers will go with Ramon Vazquez at third base until Hank Blalock returns.

Metcalf was hurt trying to leg out a bunt last night. The Rangers will go with Ramon Vazquez and Jerry Hairston Jr. at third base until Hank Blalock is activated.

He was replaced by Ramon Vazquez. Consider him day-to-day.

Metcalf is 1-for-8 in two stints with the Rangers. It appears that there’s a bit of a difference of opinion in the organization over whether Metcalf or Ramon Vazquez should be playing third base, with manager Ron Washington preferring Vazquez. As is, neither looks like a very good option in AL-only leagues.

Metcalf figures to start at least one game in today’s doubleheader. He’s at least as good of an option as Ramon Vazquez at third base while Hank Blalock is out.