The Western Swing: A Crucial Stretch for the Rangers
The “easy” stretch is over for the Texas Rangers. Now, it’s time for the Western Swing, a crucial period in the baseball season. Over the next two weeks leading up to the All-Star break, the Rangers will play nine of 15 games against American League West opponents who are currently ahead of them in the standings.
This stretch presents an opportunity for the Rangers to make some ground in the division and wild card races. However, it’s more important for the team to make a statement to themselves that they have turned a corner and can play sound, winning baseball. According to Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young, “It’s really less about who we’re playing and more about how we play.”
Assessing the Team’s Performance
Young believes that the team’s performance in the last two games in Baltimore was a great example of what the Rangers are capable of. The team showed great fight, determination, grit, and passion, which are all characteristics of winning teams. If the Rangers can continue to play like that, Young is confident that they will win more games than they lose, regardless of who they are playing.
The Rangers’ recent performance has been a mixed bag. In their series opener against Seattle, the game went into a 12-inning marathon, with the Mariners ultimately winning 7-6. The winning run scored on a two-out single by Miles Mastrobuoni. Despite the loss, the Rangers are looking to build on their recent momentum and make a push for the playoffs.
Josh Jung’s Struggles
One player who has been struggling lately is Josh Jung. He had a terrible June, and it can’t end soon enough for him. In the game against Seattle, Jung went 0 for 6, which dropped his June batting average to .158. He also ended five different innings for the Rangers, including the final one, and left six men on base.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy was asked if Jung’s performance could be chalked up to one rough outing or if it was something more significant. Bochy replied that Jung had just come off a good game, where he hit a two-run homer and had some good at-bats. However, Bochy acknowledged that Jung had a tough night offensively, but he likes the way Jung has been swinging the bat.
Jung’s struggles have raised questions about his role in the team. He has been playing third base, but his performance has been inconsistent. The Rangers may need to consider their options and potentially make some changes to the lineup. With Josh Smith playing well and Jake Burger expected to return soon, the Rangers may have to think about moving Jung to a lesser role.
Options for the Rangers
The Rangers have some options to consider when it comes to their lineup. Josh Smith has played his way into a regular role and is now hitting .279 with a .779 OPS, which is more than 100 points higher than Jung. When Jake Burger returns, the Rangers will have to decide where to play him, and it’s possible that Smith could move to third base, potentially replacing Jung.
The Rangers are looking to get fully healthy and make a push for the playoffs. They need to consider their options and make some tough decisions about their lineup. The Western Swing is a crucial stretch for the team, and they need to come out strong if they want to make a run for the playoffs.
Conclusion
The Texas Rangers are at a critical juncture in their season. They need to make a statement to themselves and their fans that they can play sound, winning baseball. With a tough stretch of games coming up, the Rangers need to be focused and determined if they want to make a push for the playoffs. The team’s performance will depend on how they play, not who they are playing.
The Rangers have the talent and the potential to win more games than they lose. However, they need to put it all together and play consistently. The Western Swing is a great opportunity for the team to make some ground in the division and wild card races. If they can come out strong, they may be able to make a run for the playoffs and make a deep postseason run.
FAQs
Q: What is the Western Swing, and why is it important for the Rangers?
A: The Western Swing refers to a stretch of games where the Rangers play against American League West opponents. It’s a crucial period in the season, as it presents an opportunity for the team to make some ground in the division and wild card races.
Q: Who has been struggling for the Rangers lately?
A: Josh Jung has been struggling lately, with a terrible June and a recent game where he went 0 for 6.
Q: What options do the Rangers have when it comes to their lineup?
A: The Rangers have options such as moving Josh Smith to third base or replacing Jung with another player. They also need to consider where to play Jake Burger when he returns.
Q: What does the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, Chris Young, think about the team’s performance?
A: Chris Young believes that the team’s performance is more important than who they are playing. He thinks that if the Rangers can play sound, winning baseball, they will win more games than they lose.
Q: How can fans stay up-to-date with the latest Rangers news and coverage?
A: Fans can find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News and sign up for the Rangers newsletter to stay informed about the latest news and updates.
