SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Delino DeShields and Ryan Rua did not win a job during the Rangers' first intrasquad game on Friday. What they did was follow the blueprint to earn a job by the time Spring Training is over.
DeShields had two walks and a run scored, while Rua lined a single to right with Nomar Mazara at second base and two outs in the first. Mazara was thrown out at home plate, but that had no bearing on Rua delivering at the right moment.
"That's exactly what they need to do this spring," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said.
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It was a good start for two guys who have been in the Opening Day lineup in the past, but this spring, they find themselves having to earn a spot.
"I thought I had a good approach at the plate," DeShields said. "I'm seeing the ball well, patient like I have been in the past … got on base twice. Good things happen when I get on base. I need to keep that approach."
DeShields was the Rangers' Opening Day center fielder last season, but he was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on May 13 after hitting .217 with a .294 on-base percentage in 30 games. He returned in July but was a reserve outfielder the rest of the season.
"These guys know what I can do," DeShields said. "Last year, I came in unprepared in body and mind and got off to a slow start. I've put in a lot of work this offseason."
The job that appears open is left field. Rua was the Rangers' Opening Day left fielder in 2015, but he suffered a fractured right heel in the fifth game and never regained his spot.
"It's unfortunate it happened, but I'm still lucky to be able to battle for a position," Rua said. "I have a chance to get it back, so I have to be ready to go."
Rua hit .258 with a .400 slugging percentage in a part-time role last season, but he had a .175 average with runners in scoring position. That single with Mazara on second constituted a good day for Rua.
Rangers beat
• The game lasted five innings and finished 1-1. Catcher A.J. Jimenez homered off Carl Webster, and Travis Snider doubled home DeShields against Connor Sadzeck.
• Tyler Wagner allowed three hits over two scoreless innings, while Ariel Jurado also tossed two scoreless and gave up four hits.
• A pair of Minor Leaguers made positive impacts. Michael De Leon had two hits, and right fielder Preston Beck made the throw that cut down Mazara, who reached with a double off the center-field wall, at the plate.