Duran will be in starting lineup for Saturday’s game against Seattle, making his Major League debut
Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers announced prior to Saturday’s game against the Mariners that the club has recalled infielder Ezequiel Duran from Double-A Frisco. Duran (#70) is in today’s starting lineup as the third baseman for his Major League debut.
The club has also placed infielder/outfielder Josh Smith on the 10-day Injured List with left shoulder sprain.
The 23-year-old Duran has spent the entire season at Frisco, producing a slash line of .317/.365/.574/.939 with with 7 home runs, 24 doubles, a triple, and 31 RBI in 45 games while playing primarily shortstop and second base. Duran’s 24 doubles lead all players in the Majors or Minors this season, and he ranks among Texas League leaders in extra-base hits (1st, 32), total bases (5th, 105), hits (T5th, 58), slugging (9th), and batting average (10th). Over his last 24 games at Double-A beginning May 5, he has batted .400/.443/.737/1.180 (38-95) with 5 home runs, 15 doubles, a triple, 23 RBI, and 8 walks/17 strikeouts. Duran was acquired in a six-player trade with the Yankees on July 29, 2021, a deal involving Joey Gallo. He was rated as the Rangers’ 4th-best prospect by Baseball America prior to this season.
Smith exited the game on Friday vs. Seattle after 8 innings due to the shoulder injury. He has batted .417 (5-12) with a double, 2 walks, 3 hit by pitches, a stolen base, and one strikeout in 5 games since his contract was selected from Round Rock (AAA) on Monday. He has reached safely via hit/walk/hit by pitch in all 5 contests to begin his Major League career, and his 3-hit game on Monday vs. Tampa Bay matched the Rangers club record for hits in a debut.
After today’s transactions, the Rangers remain at the 40-man limit on the Major League roster, along with two players (Jonathan Hernández and José Leclerc) on the 60-day Injured List.
