Kevin Pillar
OF FA
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 FA
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 FA
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 FA
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 FA
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 FA
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 FA
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 FA
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.

Kevin Pillar
OF FA
Sat 3/15/25 11:30 AM

Pillar started in right field and went 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI in Friday's spring game against San Diego.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar, who signed as a non-roster invitee after spring training began, has helped his chances of making the roster during Cactus League competition. He's batting .296 (8-for-27) with a double, six RBI and two steals over 10 spring games. He could serve as a utility outfielder, capable of filling in at all three spots. His primary competition for the roster appears to be Ezequiel Duran, who's struggles in 2024 have carried over to the spring. Duran is batting .185 (5-for-27) with one double and two steals over 12 games. Pillar won out over Duran in the latest projected Opening Day roster compiled by Kennedi Landry of MLB.com.

Kevin Pillar
OF FA
Sun 2/23/25 10:13 AM

The Rangers signed Pillar (thumb) to a minor-league contract that includes an invitation to spring training Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Pillar said last summer that he was leaning toward retirement, but he later changed his mind and stated in December that he hopes to play in 2025. The veteran outfielder will have a chance to battle for a roster spot during spring training with the Rangers, who would represent the 10th team he's played for over a seven-year span if he's able to make the club. Pillar underwent left thumb surgery during the offseason, but the issue isn't expected to hold him back from taking part in games during the exhibition slate.