The Texas Rangers announced today that six players from the organization will join the Surprise Saguaros in the Arizona Fall League. RHP Joe Barlow, RHP Demarcus Evans, INF Charles Leblanc, OF J.P. Martinez, and C/INF Josh Morgan have been named to the team's roster. OF Yanio Perez will be on the club's taxi squad.
Barlow, 22, has a 3-3 record and a 1.71 ERA (11 ER/58.0 IP) over 36 relief outings with Low-A Hickory in his third professional season. He has not allowed a run over 21.0 innings in his last 13 relief appearances dating back to July 11, limiting opposing batters to a .088/.160/.118/.278 slash line with 35 strikeouts during the streak.
The 21-year-old Evans, who was named a South Atlantic League Postseason All-Star on Tuesday, has gone 4-1 with a 1.80 ERA (11 ER/55.0 IP), 9 saves, and 101 strikeouts over 34 relief appearances for Hickory. He has compiled a 14.1-inning scoreless streak over his last 8 outings, holding opponents to a .087 average (4-46) with 27 strikeouts/one walk over that span.
Leblanc, 22, has batted .266 (119-448) with 10 home runs and 68 RBI over 126 games with High-A Down East. He has split time between second base and third base, and was a mid-season All-Star in the Carolina League.
The 22-year-old Martinez has batted .272 (65-239) with 8 home runs and 21 RBI over 63 games with rookie-level Spokane and the Arizona League Rangers in his first professional season after signing as an international free agent on April 19. Martinez has batted .304 (28-92) with 6 doubles, 3 triples, a home run, 5 RBI, and 12 walks over his last 21 games with the Indians.
Morgan returns to the Arizona Fall League after appearing in 8 games with the Saguaros last year. Morgan, 22, has spent the bulk of 2018 with Double-A Frisco, batting .232 with 3 home runs and 30 RBI in 75 games. He has started at four different defensive positions for the RoughRiders, including 34 starts at catcher.
The 23-year-old Perez will be on the Saguaros' taxi squad. He has combined to bat .217 with 2 home runs and 19 RBI in 55 games with Frisco, Down East and the AZL Rangers.
It was previously announced that Hickory pitching coach Jose Jaimes will serve in the same capacity for the Saguaros. Down East Athletic Trainer Alex Rodriguez will be a part of the Surprise training staff.
The Arizona Fall League begins play on October 9 with the Saguaros hosting the Salt River Rafters in Surprise Stadium.