Texas Rangers Breaking News: Hank Blalock Returns to the Lineup Tonight

As of the morning of Friday, July 18th, the Texas Rangers will be activating corner infielder Hank Blalock for tonight's game against in Minnesota.  Also the team activated catching prospect Taylor Teagarden, optioned relief pitchers Kameron Loe and Joselo Diaz.  The team also anticipates that Jarrod Saltalamacchia will go on the DL fairly soon.

Nearly two months ago when Blalock was first slated to come off the DL and return to the Rangers lineup the team was in need of a first baseman.

The combined efforts of Ben Broussard, Frank Catalanotto, Chris Shelton, and Jason Botts were not getting the job done, at all!

But right before Hank's return he re-injuried himself, this time his wrists.

Bad news, no more Hank for a while, good news, welcome in Chris Davis.

Since getting his Major League debut, Davis has held his own and impressed coaches, players, and fans.

With the activation of Blalock for the series against the Twins, the Rangers are planning on starting him at third, while Davis has earned his spot at first.

The repercussions, German Duran is more than likely headed back to Triple-A and Ramon Vazquez goes back to back-up/utility roles.  Good for Duran, this gives him the opportunity to play everyday in the infield and refine his skills at the plate as well.  Bad for Vazquez, he has been a catalyst at either the bottom of the lineup or hitting second.

Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels has denied the rumors that Blalock's return to the lineup as a third baseman is any way related to the fact that multiple playoff teams are looking for a hard-hitting third baseman.

The Rangers hold a club option for Blalock at the end of the season for $12 million, with the play of Vazquez, Duran, and Davis, it is less and less likely that the Rangers will pick-up this option, leaving Blalock as a free agent this upcoming off-season.

With the young talent both in the field and on the mound, the Rangers will more likely want to use that money towards signing arms in the offseason or Josh Hamilton to a long-term contract.

Things to watch in this three games series.  The Minnesota Twins are looking to make another run at the AL Central crown, one of their biggest needs is a hard-hitting third baseman.  The Twins have many good, young arms in their minor league system.  If Blalock were to show that he is back to his form from earlier this season, the Twins could likely start inquiring about his availabilty.

Even more interesting is that Twins youthful, yet injuried ace Francisco Liriano filed a grievance against the Twins for not promoting him out of the minors.  It would more than likely cost the Rangers more than just trading Blalock, probably a good, young prospect.

I know what Ranger fans are going to say about that this season after seeing how well the young prospects are performing this season, but it would be difficult not to pass up an opportunity to acquire Liriano.