Duran's Breakout: Rangers' Super-Utility Star

0:00On April 9, Texas Rangers Infielder, as equaled to Ran, is proving the doubters wrong early this season. After struggling for parts of two years with spotty playing time, he's now in nine of the team's first 12 games. Starting at third base to spell Josh Jung, he's slashing 263 over 263 over 474, with one homer and three RBIs. During came to Texas in the 2021 Joey Gallo trade, and was eyed as a future middle infielder before the big signings of Corey Seeger and Marcus Semyon. The Rangers turned him into a super utility guy who can play anywhere except catcher. His back clicked when he got steady reps, like his 309 slash in May of 2023, filling in a shortstop. New manager Skip Shoemaker is all in on Durand, saying they think he has more left in the tank. He spotted the turnaround in Winter Ball in spring training, and now Durand is earning trust by contributing right away. Shoemaker wants a bench that plays often, and Durand fits that mold perfectly. Put him in against Philly, he rips a double off the wall to help win.

1:03Against Baltimore, same story. Even after losing the second base gig, to Josh Smith, who's now hitting just 143. Durand gives options when Smith needs a breather. Shoemaker sees this as key player development, bouncing back from slumps like Durand has over the past 18 months. With more chances ahead, Zeke could lock down a bigger role on this Ranger Squad. MLB News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on the diamond. I'm Corey, with the story.