Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Thu 5/1/25 2:00 PM

Pillar (back) will start in center field and bat leadoff in Thursday's game against the Athletics.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar hadn't played since Monday due to a sore back, but he'll be back in the lineup while the Rangers wrap up their four-game set against the Athletics with a matchup against southpaw Jeffrey Springs. Leody Taveras is expected to continue serving as the Rangers' primary center fielder, though Pillar will usually replace him when Texas faces left-handed pitching.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Tue 4/29/25 6:47 PM

Pillar is out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Athletics due to back soreness, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran outfielder is usually in the lineup against left-handed pitching, but the back issue will keep him on the bench versus A's southpaw Jacob Lopez. Pillar is likely to sit again Wednesday against righty Luis Severino but could be back in the starting nine Thursday against lefty Jeffrey Springs.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Sat 4/26/25 7:26 PM

Pillar went 1-for-4 with two stolen bases and a run scored in Saturday's 3-2 loss to the Giants.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar has settled into a short-side platoon role in the Rangers' outfield, and he got the start in center field against southpaw Robbie Ray on Saturday. There's always been some speed in Pillar's game, so it shouldn't be too surprising to see him get involved on the basepaths. He's batting .300 with a .667 OPS, one RBI, six runs scored and three steals over 30 plate appearances in 2025, but there's virtually no chance he sees steady playing time, especially with the Rangers' outfield at full health.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Wed 4/16/25 9:30 AM

Pillar started in left field and went 2-for-4 with a double in Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Angels.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar filled in for the injured Wyatt Langford (oblique) with lefty Yusei Kikuchi on the mound for the Angels. Pillar and Josh Smith (against righties) have shared left field since Langford was added to the injured list last week. The Rangers are scheduled to face a right-hander in Jose Soriano on Wednesday.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Thu 4/10/25 6:46 AM

Pillar started in left field and went 1-for-4 with a run scored in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar singled and scored in the fifth inning. He filled in for the injured Wyatt Langford, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday with an oblique injury. Pillar drew the start against lefty Shota Imanaga, but Josh Smith could be the preferred option Friday when the Rangers face Seattle righty Bryce Miller.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Wed 4/9/25 9:00 AM

Pillar took over in left field Tuesday after Wyatt Langford (side) was removed from the Rangers' 10-6 loss to the Cubs. Pillar went 0-for-1 in his lone plate appearance.
EDGE Analysis
Depending on the extent of Langford's injury, Pillar could see time in left field in the short term. Josh Smith, who was already in the game at first base, is also an option.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Tue 4/8/25 9:44 AM

Pillar started in center field and went 0-for-3 in Monday's 7-0 loss to the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar made his second start of the season, both coming as the center fielder against lefties. Leody Taveras is the primary center fielder when the Rangers face righties. Pillar is 4-for-10 with a stolen base, an RBI and three runs scored through five outings.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Thu 3/27/25 8:22 PM

Pillar started in center field and went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored in Thursday's 5-2 loss to Boston.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar started over Leody Taveras against a left-hander and made an immediate impact with an RBI-single in his first at-bat as a Ranger. He singled in next plate appearance and scored on a Kyle Higashioka double. The 13-year veteran, playing for his 10th MLB team, beat out prospect Evan Carter during spring training to earn a roster spot. Pillar is expected to be part of a platoon with the switch-hitting Taveras, who has a career .612 OPS against southpaws.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Wed 3/26/25 6:28 PM

The Rangers selected Pillar's contract from Double-A Frisco on Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar initially planned for 2025 to mark the first year of his retirement, but after changing his mind in December and slashing .273/.320/.386 in spring training, the 36-year-old now finds himself on Texas' Opening Day roster. His best chance to play will be as a DH against left-handed starters; otherwise, Pillar likely won't crack the starting nine very often.

Kevin Pillar
OF TEX
Tue 3/25/25 1:24 PM

Pillar will be on the Rangers' Opening Day roster, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar said late last season that he was going to retire, but he changed his mind and has now made an Opening Day roster. Manager Bruce Bochy said that Pillar could see some starts against lefties between designated hitter and center field, although the skipper noted that a platoon in center with Leody Taveras is not a guarantee.