Monday newsletter time: Rangers happy for Jose Trevino, feel Jonah Heim robbed of All-Star selection
(AP photo/Michael Ainsworth)
ARLINGTON — Isiah Kiner-Falefa alleged last month at Jose Trevino “got shafted” by the Rangers, who traded decided in spring training that Jonah Heim would be the backup to Mitch Garver instead of Trevino.
The Rangers gave Trevino a heads-up what their thinking was and that they would attempt to trade him so that he wouldn’t have to start the season in the minors.
Trevino went to the Yankees, and on Sunday he was selected to the American League All-Star team.
Heim, meanwhile, can make the case that he got shafted.
The Rangers are happy for Trevino, but disappointed that Heim wasn’t selected as the backup catcher despite having better offensive numbers. They are both excellent at framing pitches.
“I’m happy for him,” Heim said. “We built a good connection last year. I wish him all the best. He’s having a great year. It’s a big opportunity for him to show that offense and defense can both have a spot in baseball.”
Left-hander Martin Perez is the only Rangers All-Star, and he deserves his selection. Heim didn’t get the nod despite leading Trevino in average (.262 to .255), on-base percentage (.314-.303), slugging percentage (.476-.438), home runs (12-7), RBIs (31-25) and at-bats (210-153).
But, again, no one was throwing any shade at Trevino, who is a beloved former Rangers teammate.
“I’m really proud of Jose,” manager Chris Woodward said. “I’m not going to pit one against the other. I’m just going to speak on Jonah’s behalf. The numbers speak for themselves, in my opinion. Everything he’s done offensively has been phenomenal. He’s probably one of the best-hitting catchers in the game. And then what he does on the catching side … he’s been the complete package.”
What’s the move?
Good luck to Garver, who is scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair the torn flexor tendon in his right arm.
He will hit the injured list before the opener of a three-game series against Oakland, and the Rangers will have a roster spot to fill.
The choice could come down to catcher Sam Huff or infielder Ezequiel Duran, who would play some outfield.
However, the Rangers could make up to three moves:
1. Huff for Garver: With at-bats available at designated hitter, there should be enough opportunity for Huff to play without stunting his development. Plus, the Rangers want to lighten Heim’s workload and add a right-handed bat to the roster.
2. Duran for Meibrys Viloria: The Rangers don’t need a third catcher. Duran is also a right-handed hitter.
3. Jonathan Hernandez for TBA: Hernandez is on the 60-day IL. If the Rangers aren’t granted a second extension of his rehab stint, they could place Garver on the 60-day IL so that Hernandez can take that spot. A reliever would have to be sent out, though the Rangers could activate Hernandez and option him to Triple A Round Rock.
Whenever Hernandez is reinstated, a reliever who doesn’t deserve to be in the minors is going to be in the minors … unless the Rangers swing a trade. Left-hander Matt Moore and right-hander Garrett Richards are on expiring contracts and could help a contender.
ICYMI …
It wouldn’t be a Monday without some catch-up from the weekend. First, though, a few reminders:
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Now, for those who were busy last week and over the weekend, here’s the latest from Rangers Today in case you missed it.
The Sunday Read: Seager, Semien and the first half
Rangers notes: Is Sam Huff coming?
Friday on the Farm: J.P. Martinez back on the map
Rangers farm report: Dustin Harris doing fine at Frisco
Doggy video!
Cutting costs on grooming leaves more money for treats. Enjoy. See you Tuesday.
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Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com
I know we have a few outfielders too many, but when do we see Bubba? He feels like the forgotten man out in this organization.
Huff. Just Huff. Love Duran, but let him finish his developmental path. I cringe to think of the damage done with Anderson Tejeda when he was promoted too early. Not apples-apples I know, just where my brain took me.
In that vein, a case could be made that the same applies to Huff, but catcher is not nearly as loaded as infielders at the prospect levels.