ARLINGTON -- Catcher Jose Trevino and outfielder Scott Heineman are getting a chance to prove that they belong in the big leagues, Isiah Kiner-Falefa has changed positions again and the Rangers have called up the latest in a long line of hard-throwing young relief prospects.

“We think there’s an opportunity to raise the talent level on the club,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “I think this not just about taking looks at guys. I know what the standings say. I know the odds and all of that. But these guys may be able to help the club in a positive way in the win column.”

Here’s how the latest moves impact the Rangers:

Third base

Kiner-Falefa was drafted as an infielder and he's returning to that role. After all the time, effort and energy invested into becoming a catcher, Kiner-Falefa is now an infielder. He will be the Rangers' primary third baseman now that Asdrubal Cabrera has been designated for assignment.

“I am excited,” Kiner-Falefa said. “Catching was always my secondary thing. I don’t have too much experience doing it. I thought I did a really good job for the time I was given and the opportunities I was given. I was getting a lot better, making some big adjustments right before I got hurt that I was really excited about. Now, I’m in my home position. I feel like it’s just I feel like myself again.”

Catching took its toll, Kiner-Falefa said. He was a novice at the position, and it showed. His defensive metrics there were never that good, and he also poured all his energy into being better and it took away from the rest of his game. It’s just a two-year sample but Kiner-Falefa has a .784 OPS as a third baseman and a .623 OPS when catching.

“Everybody knows my best position is in the infield,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I feel way more like myself bat-wise, body-wise, just when I’m moving around rather than catching.”

Catching

Rangers manager Chris Woodward expects to continue to alternate catchers. Now, it will be Trevino splitting playing time with veteran Jeff Mathis. Trevino played in three games for the Rangers last season, including one start.

“I love what Trevino brings,” Woodward said. “All the preparation he brings in Spring Training, he’s going to be fine. He can take on a lot.”

Outfield

The Rangers have seven outfielders for three spots, plus the designated hitter role. Woodward said that Willie Calhoun will play regularly. Delino DeShields has earned playing time, and the Rangers also want to look at Heineman

“Some of these guys, we want to see what they are all about,” Woodward said.

Danny Santana will likely get most of his at-bats at first base. The Rangers aren’t going to forget about Nomar Mazara, but he may play exclusively against right-handers. Woodward has great respect for Shin-Soo Choo and Hunter Pence, but he may find it tough to get them in the lineup if the Rangers are serious about looking at young players.

“I don’t want to give too many guys too much time off,” Woodward said. “Everybody is affected. One of the things I’ve asked the entire organization is to put your egos aside. Everybody is going to sacrifice playing time.”

Heineman had a tough road to get to Arlington. He had left shoulder surgery in the offseason and has played just 33 games at Nashville. He made the most of it, hitting .372/.435/.581, which motivated the Rangers to bring him to the Majors for the first time.

“It’s exciting. A dream come true,” Heineman said.

Clase recalled, Bird optioned

The Rangers called up right-hander Emmanuel Clase from Double-A Frisco on Friday and optioned left-hander Kyle Bird to Nashville.

Clase pitched in 33 games for the Roughriders, posting a 3.35 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. His fastball touches 100 mph, but he's also walked 1.9 batters per nine.

“I think the general feeling was his command was the biggest separator,” Daniels said. “Talking to the staff down there, other people that have watched him -- obviously he’s got very, very good ability -- but his command is probably the most advanced.”

Clase, 21, was acquired last season from the Padres in a trade for catcher Brett Nicholas. He was in Class A Spokane last season and pitched in just six games at Class A Down East this year before being bumped up to Frisco. He will be the 14th rookie to pitch for the Rangers this season, and he probably won’t be the last.

Rangers beat

• The Rangers have optioned right-hander Phillips Valdez to Triple-A Nashville.

• Santana was named the Rangers Player of the Month after hitting .391/.411/747 with seven homers and 21 RBIs.

• Elvis Andrus played in his 1,572nd game on Friday night, tying him with Rafael Palmeiro for second most in club history. Michael Young is the all-time leader with 1,823 games played for Texas.