The 8-year veteran has known only San Diego as his home playing 918 games for the Padres. He struggled in the 2013 ALCS, and fans took his comments about moving on from the elimination as an indication that he didn’t care about the game or the Tigers.
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He hit. 258 with six homers and 30 RBI in a part-time role this year. He also averaged 20 doubles a season.
Will Venable is easily an upgrade for the Rangers.
The Rangers could look to purchase the contract of Andrew Faulkner in September, in order to give the team another lefthanded relief arm in the bullpen, or add Adam Rosales as an extra utility infielder in September, should Rosales clear waivers.
Venable has been the subject of trade rumors for the past few seasons, but this move comes at a curious time with the Padres more than 10 games back of the second wildcard spot.
Josh Hamilton returned to the 15-day disabled list Thursday after soreness in his left knee didn’t improve after four days out of the Texas Rangers’ lineup. He was released after the 2010 season, played for a brief time in the independent Pecos League and signed a minor league deal with the Rangers in 2011, whereupon he began the transition from the outfield to the mound.
Whatever Daniels’ reasoning is, Venable does not figure to be a key contributor to the roster.
The 32-year old is hitting.258/.318/.378 this season with six homers and 11 steals.
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Greene, who turned 21 on Wednesday, is now recovering from Tommy John surgery. Then the role of Venable because that of a bench player who can pinch hit and provide solid defense, both traits being necessary for a playoff club (which the Rangers obviously believe they are) to have. Venable will be a welcome addition to the squad.
