KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Maybe it’s just a weird confluence of events. Maybe the Rangers are starting to get concerned about Jake Burger against right-handed pitching.
In the minor leagues, Josh Smith, a left-handed hitter, played first base on his rehab assignment on Tuesday. Alejandro Osuna, another left-handed hitter, is taking reps at first base at Triple-A Round Rock. Nicky Lopez, a left-handed utility player, took some ground balls at first base in the last week with the Rangers. And Wednesday, Ezequiel Duran, the team’s hottest hitter, albeit a right-handed one, played first base while Burger got the day off … against a right-handed starter.
Manager Skip Schumaker said it was simply a day to get Burger a rest day because the Rangers are in the midst of a stretch of 23 games in 24 days. Then again, he had Monday off, too, as did the whole team.
“I think we’re always trying to find versatility,” Schumaker said. “When Jake needs a day off, who is going to be the guy that plays first base? We’re trying to find that. And I’m not going to give him a day against a lefty; that doesn’t seem like the right day for a day off.”
Then again, Burger is slashing .223/.285/.391/.676 against right-handed starting pitching this year, which is quite similar to last year’s .226/.250/.409/.659 against right-handed starters. He’s had almost 500 plate appearances against righty starters the last two years and the numbers are a significant downturn from his previous career OPS of .781 against right-handed starters and may suggest a platoon would benefit him.