Jurickson Profar feels he’s shown the Texas Rangers enough in big-league camp and is excited about joining the Netherlands for the championship round in the World Baseball Classic.
Profar spent Thursday morning with the Rangers, and will head to join the Dutch later today in nearby Peoria. The Dutch have an exhibition game scheduled with the Padres before heading to San Francisco for the finals.
The Dutch have informed Profar that he will play second base, as shortstop is taken by the Braves’ Andrelton Simmons.
“It’s a great opportunity to play with my friends and get a chance to play for my country,” Profar said.
Profar said playing for the Netherlands in the WBC will rank higher than playing in the Little League World Series for his native Curacao, a Dutch territory.
Profar, regarded as baseball's top prospect, leaves Rangers camp with his destination for 2013 unknown. He is likely headed to Triple A Round Rock to play everyday, but the Rangers could tab him as the utility infielder.
Profar is batting .222 with two extra-base hits, five RBIs, seven walks and a team-high 36 plate appearances so far this spring.
He’s performed very well in camp,” assistant general manager Thad Levine said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for him.”
Levine said the Rangers have not made a decision on where Profar will end up this season, adding that Profar joining the Netherlands won’t impact it.
-- Drew Davison
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