5 Exciting Prospects the Texas Rangers Should Promote in September

With less than two months remaining the major league season, the Texas Rangers currently sit atop the highly competitive American League West with a 67-46 record and 6.5-game lead over the surprising Oakland Athletics.

While such a divisional lead may seem significant at the moment, it’s far from safe given the potential of both the A’s (61-53) and Los Angeles Angels (60-55).

Given the age of many of the Rangers regulars, they will undoubtedly need the contribution of younger players down the stretch of the season—primarily on the bump.

Luckily, the organization has a slew of under-the-radar minor league arms that appear ready to contribute at the big league level in the near future.

Leonys Martin, OF (Triple-A)

Triple-A: .343/.418/.576, 23 XBH (8 HR), 32 RBI, 7 SB, 29 K/21 BB (42 G)

MLB: .189/.250/.405, 2 XBH, 2 SB, 9 K/3 BB (15 G)

After scuffling through most of July, the aging Rangers offense should be somewhat of a concern over the remainder of the season. If there was a place to play Jurickson Profar, I’m sure that the Rangers would at least consider it. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case.

Although he batted only .189 in 15 games with the Rangers this season, Leonys Martin is tearing it up at Triple-A and offers a left-handed bat with plus speed. His plate discipline is good enough that with enough experience in the major leagues, he should at least hit for a decent average.

Martin Perez, LHP (Triple-A)

Triple-A: 5-6, 97 IP, 4.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 53 K/47 BB (18 GS)

MLB: 1-1, 20 IP, 2.70 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 10 K/8 BB (6 G; 3 GS)

After struggling at Triple-A in 2011, the 21-year-old left-hander took another step back while repeating the level this season. Some contend that Perez has been rushed through the Rangers’ system, which is probably true. Although he has a three-pitch mix of at least above-average offerings—his curveball is a legitimate plus pitch—his command has been shaky over the last two seasons.

However, Perez got hot at the right time in July and was promoted to the major leagues in the wake of several injuries on the Rangers’ staff. Since then, he’s been demoted and recalled on a separate occasion, and given the age and health of the team’s rotation, it’s likely he’ll be called on once again over the final month and a half of the season.

Wilmer Font, RHP (Double-A)

Minors (A+, AA): 2-5, 88.1 IP, 4.18 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 118 K/38 BB (27 G; 19 GS)

After missing the entire 2011 season following Tommy John surgery, the 6’4” right-hander has come back strong this season, still boasting the upper-90s fastball that made him a highly coveted international prospect in 2006. Beyond his plus heater, Font also throws a changeup as well as a breaking ball that has steadily improved this season.

The 22-year-old spent most of the 2012 season as a starter for High-A Myrtle Beach, where he posted an 11.77 K/9 rate while allowing just 58 hits in 83.1 innings.

Given his high velocity and the fact that he possesses at least a solid-average secondary pitch, Font was recently moved the bullpen and promoted to Double-A. It may not take long for him to reach the major leagues as a legitimate late-inning reliever.

Ryan Rodebaugh, RHP (Double-A)

Double-A: 2-4, 3 SV, 42.2 IP, 2.11 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 51 K/9 BB (30 G)

Despite struggling after a midseason promotion to High-A in 2011, the Rangers aggressively assigned Rodebaugh, 23, to Double-A to begin the 2012 season. So far, he’s proven to be more than capable of handling the higher level and enjoying his best minor league season to date.

The 6’0" right-hander has exhibited excellent command this season, posting a career-best 1.90 BB/9 rate and fanning 10-plus hitters per nine innings. He keeps the ball in the park and induces a favorable amount of ground balls, both qualities that could land him in the Rangers bullpen come September.

Joe Ortiz, LHP (Triple-A)

Minors (AA, AAA): 1-3, 4 SV, 53.2 IP, 2.52 ERA, 47 K/8 BB (45 G)

At 5’7”, 175 pounds, the 21-year-old left-hander is an unorthodox specialist. Although he was more of a strikeout artist in the lower minors, Ortiz still has the ability to get outs while allowing minimal baserunners. With a deceptive delivery, the southpaw draws a lot of swings and weak contact, all while demonstrating excellent command of his mix.

One slightly concerning aspect of Ortiz’s game is that he gives up too many home runs—eight in 53.2 innings this season. However, there’s always a need for a consistent let-hander, especially down the stretch of the season.