15 Carlos Tocci CF

Tocci was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Tocci got to experience the majors before he was truly ready last season due to his status as a Rule 5 draft pick, but he didn't do much to prove he should stick around, hitting just .225/.271/.283 in 135 plate appearances. He'll return to a more developmentally appropriate level to start 2019, though his 1.001 OPS in 33 spring appearances suggests that he could make a case to return at some point this season.

Tocci reported to spring training with added strength, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.

Tocci has created a little buzz in camp, going 7-for-18 with four extra-base hits and seven RBI. "Obviously he did something in the offseason. He came back a little stronger," manager Chris Woodward said. "It's eye-opening. If he puts on another 10-15 pounds, who knows what you have at that point? It's exciting to see development and how far he can go because he can really defend in the outfield." Tocci's path to a roster spot is not assured, but the center fielder has picked up where left off last season when he hit .353 (12-for-34) with a .441 slugging percentage over the final 17 games.

Tocci went 2-for-2 with a homer, a double and five RBI in Wednesday's win over the Giants.

Tocci came on as a substitute and immediately made an impact, blasting a three-run homer off Pat Venditte in his first at-bat. The outfielder added a two-run double in his second and final trip to the plate Wednesday. Through 10 games this spring, Tocci is now 7-for-18 (.389) with four extra-base hits -- a pair of homers and a pair of doubles -- and a 3:1 BB:K.

Tocci went 1-for-2 with a walk and a run scored in Wednesday's 9-3 loss to the Rays.

This was Tocci's first start in the month of September as the Rangers have been giving Delino DeShields another chance to prove he belongs in center field next season. Tocci, a Rule 5 pick, was never expected to have a big role and will likely play winter ball during the offseason, per T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.

Tocci is out of the lineup Sunday against the Angels.

Tocci went 4-for-6 while starting the past two games in center field in place of the injured Delino DeShields Jr. (finger), who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Friday. With DeShields likely staring at a multi-week absence, Tocci could be in store for steady at-bats in the outfield, though he'll give way to Drew Robinson in the series finale.