ARLINGTON, Texas _ Joey Gallo, the Texas Rangers' top prospect, was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday and in the starting lineup as the Rangers look to add power and versatility to the offense.
Gallo was at first base, where he had been playing frequently in the minors, and Mitch Moreland was at designated hitter. Manager Jeff Banister said that Gallo will be playing regularly, and Moreland and utility man Jurickson Profar will also be getting regular at-bats.
All three were in the lineup against the Oakland A's.
"He's coming to play," Banister said of Gallo, who was called up in May but had only one at-bat. "I'd like to think they're all everyday players. There's some platoon opportunities in there for these guys. With the mix of guys, the ability to play multiple positions, allow us to construct the lineup to bet suit a starting pitcher any given night."
The power _ Gallo has 19 homers in 70 games _ is a big draw after the injuries to Prince Fielder (neck) and Shin-Soo Choo (back).
"We're down two left-handed power guys," Banister said. "This allows us to bring a guy up with that power potential that still adds athleticism to the lineup."
