The Texas Rangers have officially promoted outfielder Jarred Kelenic to the major-league roster, giving the former top prospect another opportunity to establish himself at the highest level.
The move comes after Texas optioned infielder Josh Smith to Triple-A Round Rock and cleared a 40-man roster spot by transferring injured outfielder Michael Helman to the 60-day injured list.
Kelenic’s promotion follows an impressive stretch at Triple-A Round Rock, where he quickly caught the organization’s attention after signing a minor-league contract earlier this month.
The 26-year-old outfielder posted a strong .340/.431/.620 slash line in the minors, showcasing the power and offensive potential that once made him one of baseball’s most highly regarded prospects.
Before joining the Rangers organization, Kelenic spent time with the Chicago White Sox this season, appearing in 19 major-league games and batting .226 with one home run and four RBIs.
After being designated for assignment and electing free agency, he signed with Texas in early June, hoping to revive a career that has included stops with the Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, and White Sox.
The Rangers believe Kelenic’s recent production could provide a much-needed boost to their lineup. Team officials were reportedly looking for additional offensive energy, and the outfielder’s hot bat at Triple-A made him a logical choice for a promotion.
He was quickly inserted into the lineup and received his first start with Texas shortly after joining the active roster.
For Kelenic, this call-up represents another chance to rewrite his MLB story. Once the sixth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, he has spent years trying to recapture the promise that made him one of the game’s elite prospects.
With the Rangers competing for wins and searching for consistent offensive production, Kelenic now has an opportunity to prove he can become an important contributor at the major-league level.
