Eyes on Surprise: Kiner-Falefa breaking onto the radar

Alooooooooha! Spring Training games haven’t even been going on for a week, and already, Isiah Kiner-Falefa is off to a roaring start in Surprise.

Not only is the 2016–17 Riders utility man getting a good amount of playing time (four games, one start so far) but he’s getting a chance to show off the versatility that’s become his calling card over the last few years.

In those four games he’s appeared in, the Hawaiian army knife has already stationed at second base, shortstop and catcher. Here’s your annual reminder that he had never caught a game professionally until April of 2016. Now, just two years later, he’s suiting up behind the plate in big league Spring Training.

Still just 22 years old, Kiner-Falefa has rapidly transformed from a relative unknown to a guy Rangers fans — not just prospect enthusiasts — are beginning to learn about as each day goes by. While it’s unlikely he breaks camp with the Rangers this year, it’s beginning to seem more and more likely that IKF will find his way to the majors sooner than later.

OTHER NOTES

· Speaking of guys breaking onto the radar of Rangers fans, 2016–17 Riders infielder Andy Ibanez is making the most of his first time in Major League camp. Ibanez got the start yesterday and went 2–5 with a pair of doubles. He’s in the lineup again today against the Indians.

· Yohander Mendez is scheduled to start today’s game against Cleveland. Mendez is making his first start after a strong outing out of the bullpen on Monday (2 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K). MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan wrote about Mendez, who’s trying to break camp in the majors after September auditions in Arlington the last two years.

March is here, and Opening Day is near! Just 34 more days until we get the 2018 season rolling. Tickets are now on sale and the 2018 promotional schedule has also arrived.