Drew Robinson Gets A Taste

ARLINGTON—Drew Robinson didn’t make things easy on the Rangers during spring training.

The super utilityman, who has played every position but pitcher and catcher since the Rangers drafted him in the fourth round in 2010, made the Rangers’ Opening Day roster after a big showing in the Cactus League.

Because Robinson is a developing player, the Rangers were leery of stashing him away on their big league bench to stunt his growth.

The dilemma worked itself out over the first seven games of the season. Robinson made the initial roster but was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on April 12.

Robinson, though, has convinced the Rangers that he has the talent and versatility to be a contributor. After 2,427 minor league at-bats, he was just waiting for a chance to show his skill set.

“I knew I had a good chance if I just did what I was able to do on the field,” said Robinson, 25, who attended high school in Las Vegas. “I always thought it was a possibility, but I had to go out and prove it.”

He was one of nine Rangers who made an Opening Day roster for the first time. The list includes former top prospects Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara and Jurickson Profar. It was also believed that Gallo, a third baseman, would quickly be sent to the minors once Adrian Beltre came off the disabled list, but a new calf strain in Beltre’s right calf kept Gallo in the lineup indefinitely.

Gallo, a 2012 supplemental first-rounder, hit seven homers in his first 21 games, an extension of the improvement he made at the plate and in how he approaches the game each day.

Robinson and Gallo, both from Las Vegas, might spend time together in Round Rock at some point this season, but the Rangers believe they will team up in Texas in the future.

RANGERS ROUNDUP

• Righthander Jose Leclerc was another first-timer on the Opening Day roster after an impressive spring in which he showed much-improved command. By working in and around the strike zone with mid-90s velocity, his unique cut changeup has become a more effective out pitch.

• The Rangers said they got lucky on April 13 when Double-A Frisco catcher Jose Trevino did not break his right hand when hit by a foul tip. Trevino, who spent his first spring in big league camp, returned to Frisco after just 10 days away.

— Jeff Wilson covers the Rangers for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram