ARLINGTON, Texas -- Since the offseason trade of Ian Kinsler, second base has become a game of musical chairs for the Texas Rangers.
On Thursday, the Rangers dipped into the farm system and summoned promising prospect Rougned Odor. After a slow start at Double-A Frisco, Odor has been "the hottest thing in Double A," according to Rangers manager Ron Washington.
In 32 games, Odor has batted .279 with six home runs and 17 RBIs.
"I'm ready to play baseball," Odor said. "I had a slow start in Frisco, but now everything is going good. I want to see what I can do."
Until Jurickson Profar suffered a torn muscle in his right shoulder late in the spring, the Rangers' second-base job was his. General manager Jon Daniels said Profar, currently on the 60-day disabled list, is targeted to travel to Arizona next week and ease back into training.
The promotion of Odor signals an end to the Rangers early-season platoon plan at second base that saw 30-something veterans Donnie Murphy and Josh Wilson split time. Murphy went on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of a neck strain, and Wilson was designated for assignment.
Daniels said serious consideration was given to Odor making the club coming out of spring training. In the end, the Rangers chose to give the 20-year-old a little more minor league seasoning.
Washington said he expected to write Odor's name on the lineup card four or five times a week. Odor is in the lineup for Thursday's 7:05 p.m. CT start against the Colorado Rockies. He'll wear No. 73 and hit in the No. 8 spot.
"I'm expecting him to play baseball," Washington said. "As long as he's not scared, he'll get it done. I feel like he'll help us on the offensive side."
The Rangers also added infielder Luis Sardinas on Thursday.
"The two guys have ability," Daniels said. "They're young, coachable, smart and they play with energy."
Murphy has 18 starts at second base and is batting .211. Wilson drew 16 starts at second and batted .224.
