The Rangers announced they’ve selected the contract of catcher John Hicks. Outfielder Jason Martin has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock to clear active roster space. A 40-man roster transaction has yet to be announced.
Starting catcher Jose Trevino suffered a forearm contusion after he slipped and fell earlier today, notes Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). With Trevino unavailable, Texas needed another backstop to pair with Jonah Heim. That’ll open up an opportunity for Hicks’ first big league run in two years. The right-handed hitter saw MLB action every season from 2015-19, the bulk of which came with the Tigers.
Hicks flashed some power during his time in Detroit, but he never drew many walks and has struck out in 30.1% of his career plate appearances at the highest level. The 32-year-old signed a minor league deal with Texas over the winter and has hit .275/.352/.440 with three homers across 122 plate appearances with Round Rock. That’s league average production in a hitter-friendly Triple-A West environment.
John Hicks went to Goochland HS in Goochland, Virginia. Now THAT’S how you name a town!
Justin Verlander also attended Goochland HS in Goochland, VA
So what you’re saying is we need more Goochland content on this site.
Unfortunately Hicks never got to catch Verlander in high school. He was out of Goochland before Hicks was old enough to play.
I stand corrected. He very well may have caught Verlander at Goochland High. Just not Justin. Very possible that he caught Justin’ lesser know brother Ben. He pitched in high school before going to Old Dominion and then drafted by the Tigers as an outfielder and relief Peter. He washed out in A+ . That is all the Goochland that I have. 🙂
I was a relief Peter but that’s to dirty a story to tell here.
I think Hicks might have played with Perry Neeum while at Goochland HS. Back in the days of Coach Grundle
What does Ben Verlander do now? I just saw his name somewhere, but cant remember.
He’s an escort for lonely old women
Despite his numbers, Hicks had some big hits for The Tigers….Hoping he finally finds some continued success with The Rangers….just not against Detroit!
nepotism