June 26, 2008 Chris Shelton has been designated for assignment by the Rangers with Chris Davis taking his roster spot, according to the Dallas Morning News. The team now has 10 days to trade, release or outright him.
Our View:Shelton struggled to find any type of groove at the plate hitting .216 with just two home runs in 97 AB and gives way to the younger Davis. Shelton has no value whatsoever, whereas Davis is worth a look in AL Only leagues given the fact that Hank Blalock is still a couple of weeks from returning.
June 23, 2008 The Rangers are expected to activate Hank Blalock from the DL on Tuesday, and Chris Shelton could be the odd-man-out to open up a roster spot, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View:Hank Blalock is expected to serve at first base upon his return, and the team is not expected to keep three first basemen on the roster. Shelton has lacked power this season with only two homers in 96 at-bats, and he carries a poor .219 average, with 32 strikeouts.
June 13, 2008 Chris Shelton is starting at first base for the Rangers tonight in an interleague game against the Mets at Shea Stadium. Shelton starts and Frank Catalanotto will be available to pinch hit.
Our View:With no designated hitter, left-handed hitters Brandon Boggs and Frank Catalanotto will sit against Mets' starter and southpaw Oliver Perez.
May 25, 2008 Chris Shelton is covering first base today against the Indians, according to the Star-Telegram.
Our View:He will bat sixth in the order between David Murphy and Marlon Byrd. Shelton is notably one of the few members of the Rangers who has had success against CC Sabathia, today's hurler for Cleveland.
May 19, 2008 The return of Hank Blalock will force the Rangers to make a roster move. With Blalock's new role the team won't need three first basemen. Though Chris Shelton has worked counts well, he's hit just .200 since replacing Jason Botts, and is the most likely to be sent back to Triple-A Oklahoma.
Our View:Shelton saw playing time against right-handers and lefty's. The former Tiger has 35 at-bats, five runs, three RBI and two home runs.
