The Texas Rangers have made a series of roster moves, including optioning utility player Ezequiel Duran to Triple-A Round Rock. Duran, who had been a productive hitter during last year's World Series-winning campaign, has seen his offensive contributions dwindle significantly this season.

In 2024, Duran has struggled at the plate, with a batting line of .256/.294/.324 (74 wRC+) and only two home runs in 187 plate appearances. His recent performance has been particularly poor, hitting just .211/.219/.296 with only one walk in June. Duran's contact quality has also suffered, with increased ground-ball and infield-fly rates, a drop in average exit velocity, and a decline in hard-hit rate.

The Rangers view Duran as a potential long-term contributor and still have control over him for four seasons beyond the current year. However, they have decided to send him to the minors in order to give him an opportunity to reset and work on getting back on track.

Taking Duran's place on the active roster is outfielder Derek Hill, who the team has selected. Hill, a former first-round pick, had signed a minor league deal with the Rangers during the offseason. He had a brief stint with the team earlier this season, going 2-for-9 in limited action before being designated for assignment. In Triple-A, Hill has been putting up impressive numbers, slashing .350/.415/.631 with eight home runs, twelve doubles, four triples, and seven stolen bases in eight attempts.

The Rangers' struggling offense has also prompted changes in the outfield. Center fielder Leody Taveras, who has been struggling in June with a .121/.194/.167 batting line, will be replaced by Hill for today's game. This move could potentially provide a spark to the lineup as the Rangers seek to turn their fortunes around.

Another roster move involves the designation for assignment of right-hander Yerry Rodríguez, who has struggled on the mound this season. In 17 innings of relief work, Rodríguez has posted a 6.88 ERA, largely due to a high walk rate and a high home run rate. The Rangers will now have five days to either trade Rodríguez or place him on waivers. If he is placed on waivers, it will be an additional two-day process. As this is his final minor league option year, a new club acquiring Rodríguez could send him to Triple-A without passing him through waivers.

Additionally, the Rangers have activated infielder Justin Foscue from the 60-day IL but have opted to option him to Triple-A. Foscue, the No. 14 overall pick in the 2020 draft, had a brief MLB debut earlier this season, going 1-for-2. However, he has been sidelined for over two months due to an oblique strain. Foscue has shown promise as a bat-first infield prospect and his rehab stint includes four Triple-A contests, where he went 1-for-8 but displayed good plate discipline with eight walks.

Finally, right-handed pitcher Cole Winn has been transferred from the 15-day IL to the 60-day IL due to shoulder discomfort. The former first-round pick has struggled in the upper minors, and his recent bullpen role with the Rangers yielded an ERA above 7.00 in 17 1/3 innings. Winn's absence is expected to extend through at least mid-August.

With these roster moves, the Rangers aim to address their offensive struggles and provide opportunities for players to develop and regain their form. Time will tell if these changes will help turn the team's fortunes around and lead to improved performances on the field.