ARLINGTON -- Over the last seven games, Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar has done more than serve as a placeholder for second baseman Rougned Odor.
Profar hit his second home run in three games in the Rangers' 7-3 win over the Mariners on Friday night at Globe Life Park, and has hit .364 since being recalled on May 27.
Now the question is, will he remain with the team after Odor is reinstated before Saturday night's game from his seven-game suspension? The Rangers don't have to make room for Odor on the roster, as they have been playing with 24 players over the last seven games per the rules of his suspension. But the team wants to make sure they can get Profar enough at-bats to not slow his progress.
"What he's done in the absence of Odor has been exceptional, the production and the defense," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "He is a making a real strong argument for himself. We'll continue to evaluate that situation."
Profar said he doesn't know how much longer he will be with the team, but didn't seem too worried about it.
"Yeah, I understand it," he said.
Profar went 2-for-5 in Saturday's win, including the home run, which traveled an estimated 415 feet away into the upper deck in right field, according to Statcast™.
He also made a run-saving catch in the fifth on a line drive from Seth Smith, diving to his left to snare the ball and hold Steve Clevenger at third, preserving the 6-3 lead at the time.
"Unbelievable. Better than we expected," said Adrian Beltre of Profar's performance so far. "We know that he can play, but he's playing better than anybody expected - defensively and offensively."

The 23-year-old former top prospect has now hit safely in all seven games he's been with the team, and has put together multi-hit performances in his last three games. He's also scored a run in six straight games as the Rangers have won five of their last six.
"It's confidence," he said. "I've been here a little before and I understand how it goes. Every night it's go time. You just have to be on your game every night and that's what I'm doing."