The Texas Rangers made a bold decision on Monday after placing third baseman Adrian Beltre on the disabled list - they called up their top prospect to take his place on the team's MLB roster.
Joey Gallo will make the leap from Double-A Frisco to Major League Baseball on Tuesday, the Rangers announced earlier today. The 21-year-old got a late start to the 2015 season because he underwent minor ankle surgery at the beginning of April, but he has made the most of his first 34 games. He's batting .314/.425/.636 with 21 runs scored, 9 home runs and 31 RBIs.
Gallo finished second behind Chicago Cubs' prospect Kris Bryant with 42 home runs in the minor leagues last season and led the way in 2013 with 40. He's been a third baseman since he was drafted in the first round by the Rangers in 2012, but the team has had him take reps in the outfield as well this season. With Beltre heading to the DL, it's believed he's going to get time at third base when he arrives in the MLB.
General manager Jon Daniels made it clear that Gallo's promotion will be short-term, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. However, the Rangers' No. 1 prospect and the MLB's No. 6 prospect (according to Baseball America) could make it difficult for the organization to send him back down if he manages to contribute.
Despite not making his season debut until April 25, Gallo ranks second in slugging percentage (.636), second in OPS (1.061), third in home runs (9), fourth in RBIs (31), fifth in on-base percentage (.425), and seventh in batting average (.314) in the Texas League while also owning the top at-bat per home run ratio at 13.44, the team noted in today's statement.
Back in March we wrote about how Gallo may earn his promotion this season.
The youngster spent his first spring training with the Rangers this year and batted .250/.333/.469 with six runs scored, two home runs, six RBIs and two stolen bases in 15 games (36 plate appearances).
Texas opens up a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox tomorrow and if Gallo makes his debut he'll have his hands full facing veteran starter Jeff Samardzija.
We'll be keeping updates on Gallo's status for tomorrow night.