SEATTLE _ For those whose TV bottom lines were filled with the big news from Tuesday at Safeco Field, the Texas Rangers placed their future Hall of Fame third baseman on the 10-day disabled list.
Adrian Beltre aggravated the same left-hamstring strain that put him on the DL in April, and rookie Isiah Kiner-Falefa was back at third. The Rangers were also discussing if Joey Gallo should see some time there, the position he played coming through the minors.
Seems logical, right?
"I don't want it. I don't like it," Gallo said. "I hate it. No joke. I hate third base."
Gallo has developed a fondness for left field and first base, where the demands aren't as severe on his large body. Left field is plenty demanding, but Gallo likes it far better than the hot corner.
"I'd rather catch," he said. "No joke."
But don't get Gallo wrong. He knows that he is capable of playing there and the team could have a need for him to play what he called his "least favorite position on the field."
"I'll play there. I have no problem playing there," Gallo said. "It's a tough spot to be in. No one has even asked me, but if they did, I'd tell them I'm playing."
Gallo was in left field Wednesday and made a terrific catch for the first out behind Bartolo Colon, who worked 7 2/3 scoreless innings as the Rangers pulled away late to beat the Seattle Mariners, 5-0.
Manager Jeff Banister said that it has been discussed, though the desire is to limit Gallo to left field and first base after initially hoping that he would be needed only at first base this season.
The Rangers are also concerned that dumping a third position on Gallo, even one he is familiar with, could stunt his growth. That, more than any other factor, is critical as Gallo figures to be a critical long-term piece.
"If you ask me the question, 'Do I think that bouncing Joey around is a detriment to his development?' I'd say that," Banister said. "I think Joey is a very mentally tough guy. We've bounced him around all year long, and he continues to go out there and play the game and play it hard. He's still another young guy that's learning to play at this level."
The Rangers understand that Gallo is not as comfortable at third base. He has learned that he can benefit the team by using his athletic ability and strong arm in left field and his range and infield skills at first base.
But the primary goal is winning games.
"We've got to think about what's best for the team with the personal we have to put us in the best defense, best players, best lineup we have out there," Banister said.
Gallo snapped an 0-for-18 skid Tuesday night in the Rangers' extra-innings loss, singling in his first at-bat and hitting a homer into the left-field corner in his third. He entered Wednesday batting .205 but feeling as if he's a better hitter than the numbers show.
He went 0-for-Houston over three games against the Astros, who employed a super shift that played into his tendency to pull the ball. That's why the homer to left Tuesday was significant.
"It's going to be huge in my development as a hitter," Gallo said. "If I can go the other way like that, I can hit for a higher average and I can hit home runs like I hit [Tuesday]. Last year I wouldn't have been able to do that. I've never hit a home run down the line like that, especially on a line."
That's one example of growth that could be affected by sticking him at third base, which apparently is the last place he wants to be.
"I've played other positions now, and I realize how tough third is and how hard it is on my body," Gallo said. "It's a tough position. I respect the hell out of all the guys that play third base."
