OAKLAND, Calif. - The Rangers dug into their next research project Sunday: Looking at whether Delino DeShields is still a viable leadoff option for the team in the future.
DeShields returned to the leadoff spot for the first time since July 11. It was only his fifth appearance at the top of the lineup since June 1. And with good reason: DeShields entered play Sunday with a .206 batting average and .302 OBP. In the leadoff spot, he was hitting just .198 with an on-base percentage of .280.
"I'd like to give him the opportunity," manager Jeff Banister said.