ICYMI: Texas Rangers sign another highly rated profile key man to league deal
PHILADELPHIA — With Adolis García still nursing a sore arm from a recent collision and the Rangers seeking a spark against left-handed pitching, the team called up outfielder Derek Hill from Triple-A Round Rock.
Hill takes the spot of Davis Wendzel, who was optioned on Monday, on the 26-man roster. To accommodate Hill on the 40-man roster, pitcher Austin Pruitt was transferred to the 60-day IL.
On Tuesday, Hill was in the starting lineup against Philadelphia’s left-hander Ranger Suarez, batting eighth and notching the team’s first hit in the third inning. Jonah Heim took over García’s cleanup spot. This marked García’s second consecutive game out after colliding with Marcus Semien on Saturday. Although García wasn’t placed on the IL, Hill’s addition could provide the team with flexibility to rest him an extra day or two. García mentioned that his arm was still somewhat sore but expected to return by Wednesday or Thursday.
Meanwhile, rookie Wyatt Langford, who has been on the IL since May 5, is currently in Arizona working on ramping up his game, with a likely rehab assignment ahead of his activation. Langford only began running bases this past weekend.
Hill, 28, has been off to a strong start at Round Rock, posting a .333/.387/.659/1.046 slash line over his first 34 games. He ranks fourth in the Pacific Coast League in OPS. A former first-round pick by the Detroit Tigers in 2014, Hill has previously played in the majors with the Tigers and Washington Nationals, holding a career batting average of .229 and a .583 OPS in 304 plate appearances.
Despite the Rangers’ outfield depth, Hill signed a minor league contract with the team, believing they could help unlock his offensive potential.
“They’ve helped me simplify the game,” Hill said. “The tips they provide are quick and effective. You get information that you know will help you in an easy-to-understand way. Now, I can focus on one key thing instead of juggling 15 different thoughts at the plate. It’s pretty much plug and play.”