Bubba Thompson had knee tendinitis

Texas Rangers 2017 first round draft pick Bubba Thompson is playing in the Instructional League right now, and Eric Longenhagen of Fangraphs has a writeup on him and some other Rangers prospects from yesterday’s game.

Thompson’s playing time post-draft was the subject of a certain amount of head-scratching from those who follow the minors, as his playing time was sporadic, and there was no real explanation from the organization as to why. Longenhagen, however, appears to clear the situation up:

Thompson dealt with knee tendinitis this summer and played sparingly, but his bat speed is intact. He looks to me like he’s running gingerly but he’s raw with the bat and needs reps.

That is the most definitive word on Thompson’s situation that I’ve seen, and would seem to clear the issue up. Its also good to know that he’s apparently not dealing with anything significant or long-term that was holding him back.

Longenhagen also has comments on outfielders Eric Jenkins and Leody Taveras, as well as pitchers Cole Ragans and Reiver Sanmartin. If you are looking for some positivity on Jenkins, the Rangers’ toolsy 2014 second rounder who has struggled to convert his tools into results so far, you’ll be happy to know that he has some good things to say on Jenkins.