Delino DeShields: Deep Waiver Wire Pickup

May 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder

(7) at bat against the Kansas City Royals at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers may have an outfield problem in the next couple of weeks. The team has its starters, a veteran waiting to be called up and an up-and-coming star getting playing time with only three spots to fill. With the way the up-and-comer has played, the decision could be a difficult one. However, if you need speed and runs, pick up Delino DeShields.

The Rangers outfield currently consists of Leonys Martin, Shin-Soo Choo and Carlos Peguero. Martin has been struggling in recent weeks, which is why DeShields has some playing time in center field.

Martin is hitting .198/.240/.264 in 31 games this season. DeShields, in 24 games, has a .283/.397/.396 line. DeShields is an upgrade on the bath paths. DeShields has 10 stolen bases compared to Martin’s six. He had 54 stolen bases in Double-A last season.

One player to keep an eye on is Josh Hamilton. He is still playing in rehab games, but is expected to be on the 25-man roster by next week. He has already been informed that he will be the starting left fielder when he returns. As a result, there is one less position for DeShields to field.

If the Rangers were smart, they would remove Martin from the starting center fielder role. He isn’t hitting or driving in runs and neither is Peguero (.188 average). While he isn’t known for the latter, it’s hurting the team as a whole. In seven fewer games, DeShields has one more RBI (nine to eight).

Owners are jumping on the DeShields bandwagon while they can. His ownership percentage went from 1.3 to 28.3 percent over the last week. While the playing time will be a big question over the next week, even as a platoon player DeShields is worth owning.

If the Rangers move Martin to right field, DeShields could finish as a top-40 outfielder, possibly top 30. He is stealing bases at a ridiculous rate and his 10:14 BB:K ratio is greatly helping his OBP. If you need help in R and SB, DeShields is out there for the taking.