Photo Courtesy: Darryl Briggs
By Lew Patton
Well this is not a good way to begin Spring Training.
Ranger’s former #1 prospect, Jurickson Profar will have shoulder surgery this coming Monday. Doctors aren’t sure about the severity of an MRI that showed increased strain on the subscapularis muscle in his right shoulder from a previous MRI.
There is a good chance Profar is done for the year before it even got started.
You may remember Profar’s good 2nd base skills were part of the reason the Rangers traded away fan-favorite Ian Kinsler to Detroit for Prince Fielder and his huge contract that didn’t pay off very well last year because Fielder went on the DL as well.
Profar was to start the year in the minors but would have presented all kinds of intriguing options for the Rangers had he been healthy.
The Rangers had gone an exceptionally conservative route with Profar’s third attempt at rehabbing the muscle. First, he rested longer than on previous occasions. Second, he gained about 10 pounds and added muscle to the area to give him a stronger base. And, finally, the club planned to bring him along slowly in spring training.
Profar, who was ranked as one of the Rangers’ top prospects for several years, did not play last season.
Rougned Odor will almost assuredly be the Rangers’ starting second baseman. Elvis Andrus will start at shortstop.
#NeverEverQuit
