Texas Rangers rumors: Andy Ibanez being promoted to AA Frisco

Texas Rangers rumors: Andy Ibanez, the Cuban second baseman who has been tearing up the Sally League this season, is being promoted to AA Frisco, according to Mark Parker of the Crawdads Beat on Twitter.

Ibanez, signed by the Rangers last July for $1.6M -- well below what he was expected to command -- did not play in the minor leagues after signing last year. The 23 year old has a .324/.413/.546 slash line in 220 plate appearances, with 29 walks against 28 Ks, and 10 steals in 18 attempts.

Ibanez is a true second baseman, and it was expected that, if he performed well in Hickory, he would bypass High Desert (due to the presence of Travis Demeritte) and go directly to Frisco. Ibanez will now get the opportunity to show what he can do against more age-appropriate talent, and in close proximity to the major league team.

With the Rangers having a logjam of talent at second base in the upper levels, Ibanez doesn't appear to have a clear path to the majors in Texas, but if he continues to perform, he will provide the Rangers with a valuable trade chip for this summer.