Jurickson Profar’s time for regular major-league at-bats will be delayed after the Texas Rangers optioned one of baseball’s top prospects to Triple-A.
The Rangers didn’t have a starting spot for Profar on the big-league team with Elvis Andrus at shortstop and Ian Kinsler at second base. The team kept Leury Garcia as a utility infielder, and opted to get Profar regular at-bats in the minors.
Outfielder James Adduci, catcher Eli Whiteside and pitcher Nate Robertson are also heading to Triple A Round Rock.
Another Rangers farmhand fared better, as rookie Nick Tepesch earned the fifth-starter’s job. He is scheduled to make his major-league debut April 9 against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Texas had considered Michael Kirkman, but will stay in the bullpen. Tepesch posted a 4.28 ERA and struck out 68 in 90 1/3 innings with Double-A Frisco last season.
Also, veteran pitcher Derek Lowe has earned a spot on the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster. The righty posted a 6.23 ERA in 8 2/3 innings, though he didn’t allow runs in two of his three relief outings. Lowe will serve as a swingman.