Dylan Moore returned to the stage where his major league journey began, as the Texas Rangers called him up to the active roster ahead of Friday’s game against the Oakland Athletics at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
Moore was summoned to replace shortstop Corey Seager, who was placed on the 10-day injured list after undergoing an appendectomy on Thursday. The move gives the Rangers a veteran utility presence as they navigate a stretch with several infielders sidelined.
Drafted by the Rangers out of Central Florida in the seventh round of the 2015 MLB draft, Moore spent a year in the organization under Rangers first base coach Corey Ragsdale at Single-A Hickory before being dealt to the Atlanta Braves as part of a three-team trade. He later spent seven seasons with the Seattle Mariners before they released him earlier this month after he was designated for assignment and cleared waivers. The Rangers then signed him on Tuesday.
On his first day with the club, Moore admitted his path back to the majors has been unlikely but meaningful. “It’s been crazy,” he said. “A lot of major life moves.” He also acknowledged that the decision to leave Seattle was difficult but likely necessary after a rough stretch.
Moore’s career numbers reflect a solid, if inconsistent, hitter who has thrived with versatility. He slashed .193/.263/.359 in 88 games this season with the Mariners, a career-worst 35 percent strikeout rate, though he has posted an OPS around .715 in three straight seasons prior to this year. He believes he still has plenty to offer and is eager to prove it with the Rangers.
In his first appearance with Texas, he started at first base and batted ninth, delivering a run-scoring single off Athletics left-hander Jeffrey Springs in his first plate appearance. He also moved around the diamond as the Rangers shuffled positions, later playing second base as the lineup evolved. Moore has experience at every defensive position except left field and catcher, and he even earned a Gold Glove at the utility spot last year with Seattle. With Seager out and other infielders limited by injuries—Marcus Semien dealing with a foot issue and Jake Burger nursing a wrist—Moore will be in the infield mix as Texas looks for reliable depth.
Manager Bruce Bochy spoke highly of Moore’s versatility, noting that he’s “just a really good player that has that versatility you like.” His ability to step in at multiple spots gives the Rangers more options as they contend through a demanding schedule.
Outlook and value: Moore’s acquisition underscores Texas’s emphasis on depth and flexibility in the infield. If he can recapture some of the form from his better seasons and remain healthy, he could be a valuable contributor both in the lineup and on the field, providing Bochy with more lineup and defensive options during a stretch where every game matters.
Summary: The Rangers added veteran Dylan Moore to their roster to fill in for an injured Seager, leveraging Moore’s broad positional versatility and prior Gold Glove experience. His first game produced a timely RBI single, and his continued role will hinge on how well he can reintegrate and contribute across multiple positions. If Moore recaptures his previous form and stays healthy, Texas gains a steady, adaptable piece for a season that demands depth.
Possible positive angle: This move could be a catalyst for Moore to reset his career with a fresh opportunity in Texas, showcasing that a change of scenery can reinvigorate a veteran player and provide meaningful help to a roster in need of flexibility.