Early Sunday morning, the Texas Rangers released first baseman Ike Davis, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.
In 39 games, Davis put up a respectable slash line of .268/.350/.437 at Triple-A Round Rock as a first baseman and designated hitter.
Davis, 29, signed with the Rangers back in February as depth, but it appears as if there was no chance of being called up the majors with the services of Ryan Rua, Joey Gallo, and possibly Jurickson Profar behind Mitch Moreland, so the team granted his release for possible opportunities elsewhere.
UPDATE:
ike davis has mlb deal with yankees. will join team soon.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 12, 2016
Davis could find a home soon as the Yankees have already contacted his agent and appear to be close to deal, according to media reports in New York.
There has been contact between the #Yankees and the reps of Ike Davis, whom the #Rangers just released. Obviously there’s a fit.
— Ken Davidoff (@KenDavidoff) June 12, 2016
Source: Yankees on verge of signing 1B Ike Davis.
— Mark Feinsand (@FeinsandNYDN) June 12, 2016
The Yankees are in desperate need of a first baseman after they’ve been plagued with injuries so far this season from the likes of Mark Teixeria (torn cartilage in right knee), Dustin Ackley (torn labrum; out for season), and recently acquired Chris Parmelee (torn hamstring, out for a month).
The team currently has inexperienced rookie Rob Refsnyder playing first base, and despite high praise from manager Joe Girardi, they’re still not satisfied with the production coming from that position.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries,” Girardi said. “I give (Refsnyder) a lot of credit because this is not something easy, and he has embraced it. I think he’s done a pretty good job. There’s gonna be some ups and downs, because as I’ve said, there’s gonna be some plays that he’s never really experienced. But I give him a lot of credit.”
It’ll be interesting to see what kind of deal the Yankees give him, especially since Nick Swisher is still waiting for an opportunity to return to the majors. With Teixeria possibly close to a return without needing surgery, Davis will most likely be a short-term solution. Regardless, the team should hope Davis can contribute similar to his tenure with the New York Mets from 2010-12 for the time being.
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