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Rumor Central: Will Rangers part ways with Mike Napoli?

Mike Napoli has had three separate stints with the Rangers and hit 29 homers this season. Brandon Wade/Getty Images

Mike Napoli might have played his last game for the Texas Rangers.

Rumor Central

Napoli does not expect to play in the season-ending four-game series against the Oakland Athletics because of a stress reaction in his right fibula. The 35-year-old has an $11 million option with a $2.5 million buyout for 2018, “and the Rangers might not have the resources or desire to bring him back,” writes Jeff Wilson of the Star-Telegram.

Napoli, currently in his third stint with the Rangers, hit 29 homers this season but posted just a .193 batting average and a .285 OBP.

A catcher earlier in his career, Napoli has been used primarily at first base in recent seasons. Wilson notes the Rangers could use Joey Gallo at first base next year and might be reluctant to use Napoli primarily as a designated hitter, preferring to use that position as a way to give regulars a day off from playing in the field.

- Doug Mittler