Rangers’ Offensive Struggles Continue
NEW YORK — It was unseasonably wet, cold and miserable in the Bronx all week. And, yes, just for the record, we’re talking about the weather, rather than the Rangers’ bats.
But it also applies.
Hey, here’s an idea: If they aren’t going to learn how to use those things properly, could they at least use them for kindling? At least keep the pitchers, who are keeping them in games comfortable, if not supported, if you know what we mean.
Recent Performance
Speaking of: As they were preparing to leave Yankee Stadium after a 1-0 loss Thursday completed the sweep, a cart full of the Rangers bats being transported to the team’s equipment truck got loose and spilled all over the tunnel outside the clubhouse. Loudest noise the Rangers’ bats made all series.
“We have to put this behind us,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “We hate getting swept. It’s never a good feeling. It’s quiet in [the clubhouse] right now. These guys are taking it hard, but we’ve got to go to Chicago and reset there and find a way to get back on track.”
Statistics and Analysis
The Rangers, having played 51 games and now back below .500 (25-26), have essentially played one-third of the season. Until proven otherwise, they are what they are, which is, to put it bluntly, a failed offense.
The numbers extend far beyond just the Yankees sweep, but consider this three-game snippet alone. It summed it all up pretty well. The Rangers scored five runs in three games; all of them on homers. They were 2 for 17 with runners in scoring position; neither hit scored a run. They struck out 37 times, including 19 times with runners on base in close games, when contact is a priority. And they managed to look at nine called third strikes.
Player Performance
“I’m not in a good spot right now,” said Josh Smith, who didn’t start since the Rangers were facing a lefty and who has two singles in his last 21 at-bats. “I was looking for a fastball. I got splitters. If I’m being honest, if I’m in a better place, I’m not swinging at pitches that I shouldn’t be swinging at like that. I’m trying to make adjustments. But we’re just not getting timely hits.”
Said Bochy: “There were a lot of swings and misses. Their guy [starter Carlos Rodón, who left after six] has good stuff. He gets lots of strikeouts. But, at the same time, you’ve just got to battle to find a way to get a run. We did some things. We put some pressure on them. We did things we wanted to do to create some chances. But it didn’t happen.”
Pitching Performance
Oh, and let’s not leave out what they’ve to date wasted, which is the best rotation ERA (2.83) in the AL. And the shame is even greater considering they’ve frittered away maybe the best run by a 1-2 punch in club history. As he has since the Rangers tweaked the rotation in late April, Nathan Eovaldi followed Jacob deGrom to the mound on Thursday. Eovaldi allowed a run on a first-pitch fastball to No. 8 hitter Jorbit Vivas to start the fifth inning. And that was it.
Over this stretch, deGrom and Eovaldi have made 13 total starts, compiled a 1.37 composite ERA and a 7.4 strikeout-to-walk rate. It’s amazing. Perhaps even more amazing, but not in a good way: The Rangers have lost five of those games.
Conclusion and Future Plans
“I think the run support is going to come,” Eovaldi said, earnestly. “I think it’s just given us the opportunity to go out there and win those games. That’s part of the game. We’re going to come out with some tough losses and we’re going to win some of those close games. We just have to keep going there and giving our team a chance to win the ball games.”
Manager Bruce Bochy said the Rangers don’t “have a real plan” at designated hitter.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the Texas Rangers are struggling with their offense, and it’s affecting their overall performance. The team has a strong pitching rotation, but the lack of run support is hindering their ability to win games. The Rangers need to find a way to improve their hitting and score more runs to compete with other teams.
FAQs
Q: What is the current record of the Texas Rangers?
A: The Texas Rangers are currently 25-26, below .500.
Q: Who is the manager of the Texas Rangers?
A: The manager
