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'I'm going to watch him like I watched Beltre': Isiah Kiner-Falefa's more-defined role in 2019 leads to new Rangers mentor

ARLINGTON - Isiah Kiner-Falefa included his fielder's gloves when the Rangers packed an 18-wheeler with about 34,000 pounds of gear on Wednesday and sent it on its way to spring training in Surprise, Ariz.

"That's still in my back pocket for whenever the team needs it,'' Kiner-Falefa said.

If the Rangers' plan holds, they won't. General manager Jon Daniels said last week the club considers catcher to be Kiner-Falefa's primary spot. He is expected to share the job and learn from veteran Jeff Mathis this season.

"I'm going to watch him like I watched (Adrian) Beltre,'' Kiner-Falefa said.