Rangers rookie Alberto the latest to get an opportunity at second base
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Hanser Alberto got his first start at second base on Saturday for the Rangers, but it could become a common occurrence.
Alberto made his major league debut at shortstop on Friday, but second base is where the Rangers lack a solidified starter.
Rougned Odor has played the most there with 25 starts, but he was sent down to Triple-A on May 11 after disappointing start to the season.
Tommy Field was then promoted and started 12 games at second. But Field was designated for assignment Saturday to make room on the roster for starting pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez, who made his first own MLB debut Saturday.
Adam Rosales, who has also started 12 times at second, remains the Rangers' primary backup infielder. Alberto could have a bigger everyday role if he performs well at second.
"We're going to play Hanser tonight and see how that looks," Banister said. "Hanser gives us the ability, like Tommy, to have a guy that can play second base, shortstop."
Alberto has a chance to get more playing time because of his glove. He won a Rawlings Gold Glove as the top defensive shortstop in the minors last season and was the Rangers' Minors Defender of the Year.
Alberto has been primarily a shortstop in the minors, but had already played three games at second base at Triple-A Round Rock this season.
"He's a premium defender," Banister said. "I think you saw some of that at short-stop (Friday), saw it in spring training...With that defense, the ability to fill in at shortstop when we need him to, play second base, he can even play third base if we had to play him there. I like the speed at which he plays."
Delino DeShields remains an option at second base. DeShields has seen most of his time in the outfield, but played second as recently as Wednesday at Cleve-land.
Banister said Odor remains in the picture at second base after making im-provements since being sent down.
"We are always mindful of what Roogie is doing at Triple-A," Banister said. "We get daily evaluations on what he has done from the people who are working with him. He has made fine progress defensively, he's made some adjustments at the plate. He's been more efficient with his swings.
"He has made some progress in all the categories that we asked him to make progress in since he's been down."
The Rangers have yet another option at second base: Ryan Rua. The outfield-er, out since April 11 after fracturing his right heel, has taken grounders at second base as part of his rehab routine.
Rua has also gotten work at first and third base, where he projected to play a backup role this season, but he's no stranger to second base.
Ryan Rua played 106 games at second base in the minors, including 88 games in 2013 at Single-A Hickory.
Banister said he doesn't plan for Rua to play second in a game.
"He's taking ground balls and turning double plays in case he has to play there," Banister said.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
