Texas Rangers first baseman Ryan Rua will draw the start at first base and bat sixth versus lefty James Paxton on Saturday. Rua has been used as a part-time player since being recalled by the Rangers. He's been slumping at the plate, so that has not helped him find more playing time. He's usually a solid bet against left-handed pitching, but don't count on it against Paxton on Saturday.
The Texas Rangers activated first baseman/outfielder Ryan Rua (back) from the 10-day disabled list on Monday. Rua gives the club an extra option at multiple positions against left-handers to close out the year. He has hit .194/.223/.371 with six long balls and 12 RBI in just 124 at-bats this year. Rua is only worth considering if you're desperate in AL-only leagues. He could also become a deep DFS sleeper when facing certain lefties.
Texas Rangers outfielder Ryan Rua (back), who hasn't played in the majors since July 26, has started running and swinging again. The team is still hoping that he can return to the active roster before the season ends. Rua only has 124 at-bats with the Rangers this year and has hit .194/.223/.371 with six homers and 12 RBI. He can continue to be avoided in all fantasy formats.
Texas Rangers outfielder Ryan Rua (back) received an anti-inflammatory injection on Friday to help relieve back stiffness. He was taken off his rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Thursday when he suffered a setback. Rua may not be able to make it back at all again this year after his latest setback. He has hit just .194 with six home runs and 12 RBI in 124 at-bats in 2018.
Texas Rangers outfielder Ryan Rua (back) will report to Double-A Frisco on Monday to begin his rehab assignment, and he's expected to play five innings in the outfield. Rua hasn't played for Texas since July 26 and is batting just .194/.223/.371 with six homers and 12 RBI on the season. He'll just be outfield depth when he's healthy and is only worth considering in AL-only leagues.
Texas Rangers outfielder Ryan Rua was placed on the disabled list after being scratched from Saturday's game with back spasm. The move allows the Rangers to recall Delino DeShields who was sent to Triple-A on Tuesday. It will be interesting to see whether DeShields returns to the Rangers starting lineup as of Sunday. DeShields has just a .204 batting average but does have 18 stolen bases this season. Unfortunately, DeShields has not fulfilled the hopes of his fantasy owners so far, who were hoping for a solid average with somewhere in the region of 40-50 stolen bases. However, there is still time and if you are in desperate need of steals then DeShields is someone you should add in deeper mixed-leagues.
Texas Rangers outfielder Ryan Rua was scratched from Fridays lineup with back spasms. Rua was replaced in the outfield by Shin-Soo Choo, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa coming into the lineup to play third base. The severity of Rua's injury was not known last night but he will likely be reevaluated Saturday. If Rua does have to go to the disabled list, then it likely opens a spot for the return of Delino DeShields from Triple-A. The expectation is that Rua should be able to remain with the Rangers, and as his role is largely from the bench they can afford to give him a couple of days rest.
Rougned Odor & Joey Gallo Sitting, Willie Calhoun & Ryan Rua Starting
Texas Rangers third baseman Rougned Odor and outfielder Joey Gallo will sit Friday. Adrian Beltre will return to third base, with Jurickson Profar shifting to second. That opens space in the outfield for Willie Calhoun and Ryan Rua to face left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel. Calhoun has a had a poor season power wise, and facing a ground ball pitcher like Keuchel, he is someone to avoid in DFS. However, this season, when facing left-handed pitchers, Ryan Rua has a .273 ISO and a .328 wOBA, meaning that despite hitting eighth he offers potential DFS value Friday.
Texas Rangers outfielder Willie Calhoun will return to the lineup Tuesday as the team's left fielder. Calhoun will take the spot of Ryan Rua, and it appears these two may be in a platoon for the foreseeable future. Calhoun has not had a great season for power in the minors in 2018. However, in 2017 he had a .582 slugging percentage against right-handed pitchers at Triple-A, hitting 25 of his 32 home runs against them. In his short time in the majors Calhoun has not registered a home run and has just a .143 batting average. With Calhoun hitting eighth and the lack power so far in 2018, I would avoid using him for DFS Tuesday.
Texas Rangers outfielder Ryan Rua and first baseman Ronald Guzman will both start Monday against starting pitcher Brett Anderson. Willie Calhoun will have a day on the bench and Joey Gallo's injury opens a spot to allow both Rua and Guzman in the lineup. Rua has shown good power against left-handed pitchers this season, with a .288 ISO, and makes for an interesting DFS play Monday. Guzman has also hit well against left-handed pitchers, with a .300 batting average, .362 wOBA and .220 ISO. Guzman is a slightly less attractive DFS option, as he is hitting eighth, but his form against left-handed pitchers still makes him a usable option in what should be a high scoring game.