ANAHEIM -- The Rangers' approach to the Aug. 1 non-waiver Trade Deadline has not changed even with outfielder Shin-Soo Choo and designated hitter Prince Fielder going on the disabled list.
Pitching is still the focus, said general manager Jon Daniels.
"Hasn't changed," Daniels said. "I can't definitely say if we'll add another [position] player or not, but pitching would be our priority if we were able to put something together."
Choo is expected to be out 10-14 days while dealing with lower back inflammation. Fielder's situation is much more serious. He is dealing with another herniation in his neck and could be looking at season-ending surgery. The Rangers will know more Friday when he is examined by Dr. Drew Dossett in Dallas.
Jurickson Profar becomes a more prominent part of the Rangers' lineup with Fielder gone. With Fielder here, Profar was a utility player who could play multiple positions.
Now he becomes an everyday player who will play multiple positions. His versatility becomes a necessity rather than a luxury and the Rangers have recalled Hanser Alberto to be their utility infielder.
"The flexibility of having Profar playing everywhere on the dirt as well as the outfield allows us to maneuver," manager Jeff Banister said.
Clubs have been asking for Profar in trade talks recently, but that's even less likely to happen with Fielder out.
The Rangers also recalled outfielder Delino DeShields from Triple-A Round Rock while Choo is sidelined. The Rangers are looking at a regular outfield of Ryan Rua in left, Ian Desmond in center and Nomar Mazara in right with Jared Hoying in reserve. DeShields gives the Rangers speed off the bench and could start against left-handed pitching.
It allows the Rangers to use the designated hitter as a revolving spot to rest players. Rougned Odor was there on Wednesday night.
"It will probably benefit [Adrian] Beltre, it will probably benefit Odor, Desmond might benefit from it, Elvis [Andrus] will benefit from it," Banister said. "I'm not going to speculate who will get the most time at designated hitter."
"If you look at our club, some of the times we've played our best is when we're very athletic and able to put pressure on the defense," Daniels said. "Having Delino as an option is another element and dynamic that [Banister] can utilize."
The Rangers considered recalling infielder Joey Gallo from Triple-A, where he js hitting .247 with 16 home runs, 40 RBIs, a .383 on-base percentage and a .547 slugging percentage. But it appears his playing time would have been limited if the Rangers are committed to moving Profar around.
"Profar is first in line to jump in there," Daniels said. "We talked about Joey and I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes his way into the conversation.
"We've become a more versatile, athletic roster. I feel good about the roster we have. We can score runs."
Rangers beat
• The Rangers will honor 2016 Rangers Hall of Fame inductee Michael Young at their Dr Pepper Texas Rangers Hall of Fame Luncheon on July 29 at the Arlington Convention Center. He will be inducted into the Rangers Hall of Fame on Saturday, July 30, before the game against the Royals. Tickets and information for the luncheon can be obtained at www.texasrangers.com/community/luncheon.
• Kyle Lohse is currently in line to start Monday against the Royals, but Banister said, "We'll continue to evaluate that on a daily basis, how we can get better."
• After Robinson Chirinos hit two home runs Tuesday, the Rangers have 12 home runs from the No. 9 spot. That's tied with the Athletics for the most in the American League.