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Jurickson Profar, the Rangers' phenom shortstop prospect who has been out the past two seasons due to a torn shoulder muscle which required surgery during this past offseason, will start a rehab assignment tonight with the Hickory Crawdads, according to John Blake on Twitter.
Profar, who is still just 22 years old, will strictly be DHing for Hickory, but this is an opportunity to get him some game action before the 2015 campaign is over. Profar was supposed to be the Rangers' Opening Day second baseman in 2014, but the injury derailed him and opened the door for Rougned Odor to stake a claim to the job. Profar will likely start the 2016 season in the minors, working to get back into form after two lost seasons.
it remains to be seen what position Profar will best fill once he is healthy. Shoulder problems can sap arm strength, which would potentially limit his ability to play shortstop or third base, so a lot will depend on how well his arm bounces back.