DeShields makes Opening Day roster, Webster doesn’t

Texas Rangers outfielder Delino DeShields will be a Texas Rangers outfielder, and not a Round Rock Express outfielder, come Opening Day, according to Jeff Wilson. Wilson says that DeShields’ role is “TBD,” but he figures to be in the mix for left field playing time, along with Jurickson Profar and Ryan Rua.

All three players have had strong springs and played well enough to earn significant playing time, and Jeff Banister will have an interesting challenge looking to juggle plate appearances for them when everyone is healthy. Of course, the “when everyone is healthy” is key, and as we all know, its likely someone will go down at some point, which means having all three as solid depth is helpful.

In addition, per the beat guys on Twitter, Allen Webster has been told he will not make the Rangers’ major league roster. Webster, a pitcher signed as a minor league free agent, was a longshot to make the team, and has the right to opt out since he’s not being added to the 40 man roster, but the beat guys say that the Rangers are hoping he stays in AAA as rotation depth.