Rangers' Delino DeShields Jr.: Leading off Friday

DeShields is batting leadoff and starting in left field for Friday's game against the Royals.

Analysis:

Friday marks DeShields' first start since being recalled by the Rangers earlier in the week. He struggled mightily through the first month of the season with a .217/.294/.302 slash line over 30 games. His inability to hit left-handed pitching (.154/.240/.154) was on display during that stretch, which does not bode well for his chances Friday as he'll be facing hard-throwing southpaw Danny Duffy.