Leody Taveras

Not bad for a guy who was close to retiring just months ago. The Red Sox are throwing left-hander Garrett Crochet, so Pillar was likely always going to be in the lineup, but with Corey Seager taking the DH spot, that means Pillar got bumped to center field and Leody Taveras was pushed to the bench.

Taveras will be the Rangers' starting center fielder after Evan Carter was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

Taveras will be the Rangers' starting center fielder after Evan Carter was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The 22-year-old has struggled this spring, going just 6-for-39 (.154) with 15 strikeouts in 42 plate appearances. Carter struggled both on the field and with injuries last season and had just 162 plate appearances in the big leagues. The Rangers will likely start him in Triple-A Round Rock with Leody Taveras manning center field and Kevin Pillar making the team as the fourth outfielder. Taveras has enough power and speed to be viable in deeper fantasy leagues since he hits in a strong Rangers lineup.

The Rangers are facing left-hander Kris Bubic and are putting out what looks to be an Opening Day lineup, with Josh Smith filling in at shortstop for Corey Seager, who is nursing a calf injury. With Evan Carter not in the lineup, Leody Taveras will play center field and Kevin Pillar will be the designated hitter. With Opening Day just two days away, this is a bit of a signal that Carter is not locked into everyday at-bats in Texas and will be in a bit of a timeshare with Taveras to start the season.