Introduction to the Rangers’ New Month
PHOENIX — New month, new trend?
For a change, the Rangers aren’t losing any players to injuries, but instead getting a couple back. The Rangers began September by activating first baseman Jake Burger and right-hander Chris Martin from the injured list.
Rosters can expand by two players — only one of which may be a pitcher — for September, so there was no other roster move necessary.
Jake Burger’s Return
It has been a frustrating season for Burger, who had been on the IL for a sprained wrist since Aug. 18. It was his third trip to the IL. And the most recent trip had come when he’d finally found a real hot stretch with the bat. He was 9 for 23 (.429) with a 1.097 OPS in August.
“I think [all the IL stints] suck equally,” Burger said of any additional frustration due to the timing of the most recent injury. “But I was exactly where I knew I needed to be [at the plate]. Everything was happening on my terms. I was getting my swing off, but under control.”
Burger said the biggest change he made that led to the hot stretch was changing his perspective at the plate. Instead of looking to hit everything to the middle of the field, he focused more on pulling the ball. It didn’t mean he wasn’t trying to drive the ball to center and right center, but that he wanted to do what he needed to do to get the bat to the ball in position to drive it.”
First Base Production
The Rangers have gotten more than adequate production at first base from Ezequiel Duran and Rowdy Tellez during Burger’s absence. Duran has been more needed at second base since Marcus Semien and Corey Seager both went on the IL.
Manager Bruce Bochy didn’t commit to any specific playing time arrangement at first base, but did say the club would look at matchups. Traditionally, that would mean Tellez, a left-handed hitter, would start vs. right-handers and Burger, a right-handed hitter would start against lefties. But Bochy noted that Burger’s career splits are fairly balanced against both right- and left-handers.
Chris Martin’s Return
Martin, who has been out for all but the first three days of the second half with a strained calf, should give the Rangers’ late-innings leverage relief crew a boost. The relievers have allowed a 5.29 ERA over the last six games.
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Conclusion
The return of Jake Burger and Chris Martin from the injured list is a welcome boost to the Rangers’ lineup and pitching staff. With Burger’s hot stretch at the plate and Martin’s potential to bolster the late-innings relief crew, the Rangers are looking to make a strong finish to the season. As the team navigates the final stretch, fans can stay up-to-date with the latest news and developments by signing up for the Rangers newsletter.
FAQs
Q: Who are the two players the Rangers activated from the injured list in September?
A: The Rangers activated first baseman Jake Burger and right-hander Chris Martin from the injured list in September.
Q: What was Jake Burger’s performance like before his most recent injury?
A: Before his most recent injury, Burger was 9 for 23 (.429) with a 1.097 OPS in August, indicating a hot stretch at the plate.
Q: How do the Rangers plan to utilize Jake Burger and Rowdy Tellez at first base?
A: The Rangers plan to look at matchups to determine the playing time arrangement at first base, potentially starting Tellez against right-handers and Burger against lefties, although Burger’s career splits are fairly balanced against both.
Q: What impact is Chris Martin’s return expected to have on the Rangers’ pitching staff?
A: Chris Martin’s return is expected to give the Rangers’ late-innings leverage relief crew a boost, as the relievers have allowed a 5.29 ERA over the last six games.
