The trade of Marcus Semien left the Texas Rangers with a big hole at second base. Entering spring training it seemed like every middle infielder aside from Corey Seager was competing for the job.

Josh Smith nailed it down with a terrific offensive spring. In truth, he’s the player Texas likely wanted to win the job. But it did leave the Rangers with an issue — who would be their super-utility player, a role Smith filled for two years and won an AL Silver Slugger for in 2024?

It ended up being Ezequiel Duran . He was in the same boat as Smith going into the 2023 season — a young prospect with no position. He did what Smith was asked to do and became a utility player. Smith proved better at the on-and-off nature of the job. Duran struggled with it.

After six games — which is still a small sample size — the Rangers must be pleased with how Duran performed on this road trip.

Ezequiel Duran’s Quietly Effective Road Trip

Unleash the Duranimal.…