Texas Rangers Overcome Injuries to Win Sixth Game in Seven
The Texas Rangers have placed eight players on the injured list in the last two weeks, and they may be without their three most important players for the remainder of the season. Despite these setbacks, the team has reached a make-or-break juncture of the season with less than a month left to play before the postseason. However, they continue to win nonetheless.
Recent Victory Against the Athletics
The Rangers beat the Athletics 5-2 at Sutter Health Park on Friday, winning for the sixth time in their last seven games. The series-opening victory was led by a lineup that lacked at least five of their regular starters and a rookie pitcher on a hot streak.
Pitching Performance
Right-hander Jack Leiter, who owns a 3.77 ERA through 24 starts in his first full big league season, pitched six innings of two-run ball for his second straight quality start. He cruised for two innings before the Athletics scored a pair of runs on a bases-loaded Brent Rooker double in the third to tie the game.
The 25-year-old finished with three consecutive scoreless innings, though, before he was replaced by left-hander Hoby Milner in the seventh. Leiter, who rode a hard-thrown curveball to a career-best day in his previous start vs. the Cleveland Guardians, weaponized the changeup that he revamped in spring training on Friday night.
He threw his changeup 26 times. The Athletics swung at 14 of them and missed on seven for a 50% whiff rate. The seven swings-and-misses were the most he’d ever generated with his changeup and the second-most he’d gotten on any pitch in a single start.
Batting Performance
The Rangers scored twice in the second inning on a bases-loaded sacrifice fly from catcher Jonah Heim and a two-out single from first baseman Dylan Moore against Athletics left-handed starter Jeffrey Springs.
Moore, who was signed to a minor league deal on Tuesday after the Seattle Mariners released him last week, was promoted to the big league roster on Friday after the Rangers placed shortstop Corey Seager on the 10-day injured list following his appendectomy. He shifted to second base — left unoccupied because of Marcus Semien’s foot injury — when super utility man Josh Smith pinch hit for rookie Cody Freeman against right-hander Michael Kelly.
Heim hit a go-ahead home run off Springs in the fifth inning to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead. The 30-year-old catcher had hit just one home run in the season’s second half before Friday’s game and yielded a .608 OPS in the 27 games during that span.
Outfielder Michael Helman, who was called up last week to replace center fielder Evan Carter after a fractured wrist ended his season, hit a two-run home run vs. Kelly in the seventh inning. Helman, 29, has three career home runs; two have been hit within the last week.
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Conclusion
The Texas Rangers have shown remarkable resilience in the face of injuries, with their recent victory against the Athletics being a testament to their determination. With less than a month left to play before the postseason, the team will need to continue to overcome their setbacks and work together to achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the injured players on the Texas Rangers?
A: The Texas Rangers have placed eight players on the injured list in the last two weeks, including shortstop Corey Seager, center fielder Evan Carter, and second baseman Marcus Semien.
Q: How has the team been performing despite the injuries?
A: The Rangers have been performing well despite the injuries, winning six of their last seven games, including their recent victory against the Athletics.
Q: Who are some of the key players who have been contributing to the team’s success?
A: Some of the key players who have been contributing to the team’s success include right-hander Jack Leiter, catcher Jonah Heim, first baseman Dylan Moore, and outfielder Michael Helman.
Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest Rangers news?
A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest Rangers news by signing up for our Rangers newsletter or visiting The Dallas Morning News website for more coverage.
