Duran's acrobatic rise from infield to left field

This story was excerpted from Kennedi Landry’s Rangers Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

ARLINGTON -- A ball off the bat of Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto bounced into shallow left field with a runner on second base at Citizens Bank Park on May 21.

The Rangers, in the midst of a losing skid and an injury epidemic, had utility man Ezequiel Duran in left field for just the 10th time this season. The 25-year-old fielded the ball and fired home quickly, nabbing Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh with a perfect tag by catcher Jonah Heim. Duran's throw to get Marsh was the second-hardest outfield assist of the season at 98.7 mph. Marsh, coincidentally, owned the hardest at 99.3 mph.

The play ultimately got lost in what would eventually be another Rangers loss to the Phillies, but it’s just one of many times Duran has shown off his ability to play the outfield this season.

So far, he has appeared in a game at first base (seven times), second base (one), third base (eight), shortstop (two), left field (12), right field (one) and designated hitter (three).

Duran has five defensive runs saved this season in left, after having -4 at the position in 2023 -- his first year in the outfield. Left field is the only position this season where Duran has more than 0 DRS.

“He's played well,” said manager Bruce Bochy. “He’s had a lot of action out in left field. He's made some acrobatic catches, and he's got a strong arm -- accurate, too. These last two series, he’s made some terrific throws and is getting guys at the [plate] for big outs.”

It isn’t always pretty, and Duran has run his fair share of poor routes and has made some poor plays.

But he’s looked just as good, or better, than any other Rangers outfielder. Which is saying even more considering he didn’t step onto the grass until 2023, plus he didn’t get steady work out there from Spring Training through the beginning of the season.

“What's been impressive, he really didn't do any work in the outfield in the early part of the season with all the outfielders we had,” Bochy said. “He just concentrated on his work at third, short and even first base. And so for him to go out there and do the good job he's been doing, that shows you he's a baseball player, wherever you put him. Sometimes it may not be the prettiest catch, but he gets it done. The throwing, though, that's what's impressive. I mean, the velocity with accuracy, that's pretty impressive, especially the two throws he's made here on this trip.”

When asked what the hardest part of playing outfield is, Duran jokingly said not letting the ball go over the wall, before seriously noting that he doesn’t find it all that much harder than learning new infield positions.

And the way to combat any of that is just to keep putting in the work every day.

“I’ve been working a lot on the outfield positions that I play,” Duran said through interpreter Raul Cardenas. “I go out and take the time to go and actually work on some stuff, and it’s paying off for me. I thank God, because without Him, I wouldn't be doing the things I’m doing.

“It’s not really complicated for me, because I practice these things in all the positions like I normally do. The coaches help out a lot. The results have been coming out really good lately and I’m going to continue doing the things that work.”