2 Leonys Martin, CF

Rangers manager Ron Washington has been as hard on outfielder Leonys Martin as he was on Elvis Andrus before he developed into an All-Star shortstop, MLB.com notes.

"Martin is a very good baseball player and he certainly has the ceiling to get better," Washington said. "How good? I think we'll just have to wait and see."

Martin continues to split playing time in center field with Craig Gentry as he learns how to adjust to a 162-game schedule. However, his playing time has been on the rise lately because his offensive production has taken off. Martin has started eight of the last 10 games through Wednesday and has hit safely in seven straight (.381).

Still, Washington feels Martin has plenty of room to improve offensively.

"I think he's still trying to find that," Washington said. "The thing is he's getting comfortable and getting his confidence together, and that's the key."

Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin was hitting .245 on May 1, with a home run, and no steals in 49 at-bats over the team's first 27 games. Martin has hit .325 with five steals and a home run in 40 at-bats in the ensuing 17 games. 

Martin's main drawback earlier in the season was his timeshare with Craig Gentry in center field. But Martin has started seven of the last eight games for the Rangers, and, with the regular playing time, is proving to be a solid regular. Gentry, hitting .250 with six steals, has started two games since May 12. 

Martin, who hit .323 in 533 minor league at-bats, could be a nice source of steals, average and might be able to contribute a handful of home runs (in just over 500 minor league at-bats, he hit 16). Momentum is shifting in Martin's direction, but -- more importantly -- he's getting the playing time. Owned in just 27 percent of leagues, Martin is a smart grab for an astute owner in 12-team Roto leagues and deeper. 

Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin stole two bases Thursday night as part of a 2-for-4 game, giving him three steals in his last two games after failing to steal a base in his first 33 games.

Martin was also caught stealing for the second time this season Thursday. He has hit .268/.326/.390 in 89 plate appearances and appears to be warming up on the basepaths.

Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin hit his second home run of the season Sunday against the Astros. 

Martin got the start in right field, and went 2 for 4. In the top of the fifth, Martin took a slider out to right field for his second home run of the season. In 70 at-bats, Martin is hitting .271/.338/.414.

Rangers outfielder Leonys Martin came off the bench Saturday to triple and drive in two runs against the Astros. It was his second triple, which have both come in his last 18 games (eight starts).

Martin, who has appeared in 29 games (17 starts), is batting .262 with a .333 on-base percentage, one home run, four RBI and nine runs.