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Round Rock Today
By the People, for the People
Rangers Narrow Opening Day Roster with Minor League Options
Texas optioned pitchers and infielders to Triple-A as they finalize their 2026 roster.
Mar. 17, 2026 at 12:54am
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The Texas Rangers have narrowed their options for the opening day roster by optioning two players, pitcher Marc Church and infielder Justin Foscue, to their Triple-A affiliate in Round Rock. This move provides more clarity on the Rangers' roster decisions, with non-roster invitees Tyler Wade and Andrew Velazquez still in the mix for bench spots alongside players already on the 40-man roster like Ezequiel Duran and the returning Josh Jung.
Why it matters
The Rangers' roster decisions heading into the 2026 season are closely watched, as the team looks to build on recent improvements and compete in the AL West. The optioning of Church and Foscue signals the team's priorities and preferences as they finalize their opening day lineup.
The details
Church was recovering from a strained muscle and had little chance to make the opening day roster, while Foscue was one of several candidates to replace Marcus Semien at second base before suffering a hamstring injury. Among non-roster invitees, Wade and Velazquez remain in contention for bench spots, though neither offers much power. The Rangers have three likely bench spots, with outfielder Sam Haggerty seen as a near-lock. Infielder Ezequiel Duran and the returning Josh Jung are also in the mix, while the final spot could come down to veterans Mark Canha and Andrew McCutchen.
- On March 17, 2026, the Rangers optioned pitcher Marc Church and infielder Justin Foscue to Triple-A Round Rock.
The players
Marc Church
A Texas Rangers pitcher who was recovering from a strained teres major muscle.
Justin Foscue
A Texas Rangers infielder who was one of several candidates to replace Marcus Semien at second base before suffering a hamstring injury.
Tyler Wade
A non-roster invitee infielder for the Texas Rangers who has been one of the better offensive performers in spring training.
Andrew Velazquez
A non-roster invitee infielder for the Texas Rangers who is a lifetime .189 batter in the Majors.
Josh Jung
A Texas Rangers third baseman who returned to the lineup on Monday as he ramps up from a Grade 1 adductor strain.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The Rangers' roster decisions heading into the 2026 season are closely watched, as the team looks to build on recent improvements and compete in the AL West. The optioning of Church and Foscue signals the team's priorities and preferences as they finalize their opening day lineup, with non-roster invitees and players already on the 40-man roster still in the mix for bench spots.
