Rangers Keep Rookie For Outfield Depth

When the Texas Rangers opted to send infielder Jonathan Ornelas back to Triple-A Round Rock on Monday, it cleared the way to keep outfielder J.P. Martinez, who had a productive weekend in his Major League debut.

The Rangers had to activate outfielder Travis Jankowski from the paternity list Monday, as his 72 hours were up. Moving Jankowski to the paternity list — and designating Bubba Thompson for assignment — is what paved the way for Martinez to get his first taste of the Majors when he was officially called up on Friday.

Martinez took full advantage while the Rangers were in San Francisco over the weekend. He went 4-for-11 with a double, run, RBI and walk. He went 2-for-4 in each of his last two games against the Giants.

So when it came time for the Rangers to make room for Jankowski, the Rangers opted to keep Martinez.

“J.P., he played every game (against the Giants),” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters Monday. “He came up here, he did a nice job. He gives us some nice options coming off the bench if he’s not playing.”

Martinez gives the Rangers five players listed as outfielders on the 26-man roster — Martinez, Jankowski, Adolis García, Robbie Grossman and Leody Taveras. García is the consistent starter in right and Taveras is the consistent starter in center. Jankowski can play all three positions, while Martinez and Grossman are best suited for the corners.

Two other developments have helped the Rangers avoid a roster crunch that might have sent Martinez back to Round Rock.

First, shortstop Corey Seager appears to be healthy enough to play every day after a sprained right thumb put him on the injured list last month.

Second, Ezequiel Duran — who has played plenty of left field this year — is now the primary starter at third base in the wake of Josh Jung’s injury.

So, for now, Martinez is a Ranger.