Rangers notes: What the Robbie Grossman signing means for left-field hopefuls

 (AP photo/Paul Sancya)

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Rangers appear to have found the right-handed hitter for their platoon in left field.

They signed veteran outfielder Robbie Grossman to a one-year, $2 million contract that could grow to $5 million if he reaches a series of performance incentives. A switch hitter, Grossman excels against left-handed pitching as a righty hitter.

He becomes the front-running for the bulk of those at-bats with veteran Brad Miller and second-year play Josh Smith, both lefty hitters, the leading candidates for at-bats against righties.

The Grossman deal could allow the Rangers to use Bubba Thompson as a true fourth outfielder, though he might be better served playing every day at Triple A Round Rock if there aren’t enough at-bats for him to continue to develop.

General manager Chris Young will address the signing Saturday morning at the Surprise Recreation Campus.