Former Gorman slugger Gallo called up by Texas Rangers
First, Bryce Harper. Then, Kris Bryant.
Now, Joey Gallo.
Las Vegas continues to send sluggers to the major leagues.
Gallo, a Bishop Gorman High product, has been called up by the Texas Rangers from the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders and is expected to make his major league debut Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox in Arlington, Texas.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels made the announcement Monday on 105.3 The Fan’s “The Ben and Skin Show” in Dallas. The left-handed swinging Gallo takes the roster spot of Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained left thumb.
Gallo, a 21-year-old third baseman/outfielder, is widely considered one of the top prospects in baseball. He’s ranked sixth overall by Baseball America and ninth by MLB.com.
Through 34 Double-A games this season, Gallo is hitting .314 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs. He had a breakout season last year, hitting 42 homers and driving in 106 runs in a combined 126 games between the High-A and Double-A levels.
“We called him up with the intent that he’s going to play,” Daniels said. “He will come up here and get some first-hand experience and knowledge on speed of the game, how pitchers are going to attack him, see other guys’ success and see how they handle it, see other guys fail and see how they handle it.
“The whole deal. Work with the big-league coaching staff, the travel, all the things he’s heard about but can’t experience first-hand without being here. When the time does come and he goes back to the minor leagues, he’ll have a clear idea of what he needs to continue to work on.”
Daniels said of Beltre and his eventual return: “He’s going to get his job back. There’s not going to be any quarterback controversy.”
Gallo joins Harper, a former Las Vegas High and College of Southern Nevada star, who plays for the Washington Nationals, and Bryant, a Bonanza High product, who plays for the Chicago Cubs, as a Las Vegas-raised power hitter in the majors.
Beltre was injured while sliding into second base Sunday against the Boston Red Sox. A report by CBSSports.com said he was diagnosed with a sprained thumb and was seeking a second opinion.
Beltre has played in all 51 games this season, hitting .257 with six home runs and 18 RBIs.
