Rangers officials told MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan that the team is looking at making a run at Manny Ramirez, but that the team isn’t interested in the recently released Brad Hawpe.
Hawpe has been mentioned as a possible fit for Texas and San Diego since being let go by Colorado, but the Padres appear to be out of the mix and the Rangers would prefer a right-handed bat. Boston and Tampa Bay appear to be more likely suitors at the moment.
Ramirez to Texas would be awfully interesting, but it’s not going to happen if the rumors about the White Sox putting in a claim are true. Unless he clears waivers, Ramirez can only be traded to the team that wins the claim on him, and because of their inferior record, the White Sox have a higher priority than the Rangers.
As a result, the Rangers will probably have to settle for a lesser bat or go with what they have now. They’re 8 1/2-game lead in the AL West is very comfortable, so there’s no sense going after anyone they don’t believe would fit on the postseason roster.
Phils’ Hoskins tears knee, expected to miss significant time
Dave Nelson/USA TODAY Sports
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins needs surgery for a torn ACL after injuring his left knee Thursday fielding a grounder in a spring training game and is expected to miss a significant amount of time.
The Phillies did not say when Hoskins would have the surgery or exactly how long the slugging first baseman might be sidelined.
Hoskins hit 30 homers with 79 RBIs last season for the reigning National League champions.
He was backing up to play a chopper on Thursday when the ball popped out of his glove. Sooner after, he fell to the ground and began clutching his left knee. Teammates gathered around him before he was taken off of the field.
Hoskins, a free agent at the end of the season who turned 30 last week, hit six homers in Philadelphia’s playoff run last season. The Phillies lost to the Houston Astros in the World Series.
The injury was another blow for the Phillies, who will be without top pitching prospect Andrew Painter for another few weeks because of a sprained ligament in his right elbow. And slugger Bryce Harper isn’t expected back until around the All-Star break after undergoing Tommy John surgery in November.