Texas Rangers notes: TCU-ex Matt Carpenter added on minor-league deal for depth, insurance at third

The longtime Cardinals infielder has a reputation as a solid teammate and can play multiple positions.

Matt Carpenter is a three-time National League All-Star, but he has struggled at the plate the past three seasons (The Associated Press/Jeff Roberson).

Another veteran, former All-Star has been added to the Texas Rangers spring roster, and this one has local ties.

Matt Carpenter, who went to TCU and lives in Fort Worth, agreed a minor-league deal and could wiggle his way into the picture at third base.

The Rangers have a void at third Josh Jung underwent surgery last month on his left shoulder and Isiah Kiner-Falefa was traded last weekend. Andy Ibanez, who has 253 career at-bats, is the internal front-runner for the job.

Carpenter, 36, has 4,403 at-bats in an 11-year career with St. Louis that included All-Star appearances in 2013, 2014 and 2016. A career .262 hitter, Carpenter batted only .176 over the past two seasons.

In addition to playing third base, Carpenter can also play first and second.

He enters the third-base mix with Ibanez and Charlie Culberson, another veteran in camp on a minor-league deal.