Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington reveals his lineup

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington with his lead-off hitter, Shin-Soo Choo. (Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports)

Drew Davidson of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has the skinny for us all on what Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington envisions for his lineup. Can’t say I’m too surprised by how Wash will fill out his lineup card.

Here’s what Rangers fans can expect to see as the starting nine…

Shin-Soo Choo – LF
Elvis Andrus – SS
Prince Fielder – 1B
Adrian Beltre – 3B
Alex Rios – RF
Mitch Moreland – DH
Geovany Soto – C
Jurickson Profar – 2B
Leonys Martin – CF

Davidson quotes Washington as saying the top five spots are “set in stone”, while Davidson notes the bottom four spots are “subject to change”. I can see that being a work in progress, but there seems to be a nice balance Wash has here. You could, if you’re so inclined, to flop Profar and Martin. That might be the only tinkering anyone should honestly consider.

When questioned about Fielder in the third slot followed by Beltre, here was Washington’s response:

"Because I wasn’t moving Beltre out of the fourth hole,” Washington said. “Prince has been the protector. Now he’s the protectee."

Washington is obviously comfy with Beltre batting clean-up. Why switch? Beltre has been Washington’s main #4 guy over the past two-plus seasons.