Rangers Shake Things Up, Look to Rest and Revive Their Slumping Offense
The Texas Rangers kicked off the week with a fresh approach, shaking up their lineup in hopes of reigniting an offense that's been struggling. Manager Bruce Bochy is rolling the dice with a new strategy: giving Adolis García a breather, hoping that a little rest might be the key to getting his bat back in the game.
A New Look for the Rangers
So, what’s the big move? On Friday night against the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Field, Bochy decided to sit García, giving the right fielder a rare two-day break. García’s numbers have been less than stellar lately, slashing a dismal .174/.232/.272 in July alone. His struggles have been consistent, with no month in the past three seeing him hit better than .198. This decision isn't just about giving García a day off; it’s a strategic move to get him back on track.
The New Face in Right Field
In García's place, utilityman Ezequiel Duran will step up, making his first major league start in right field and hitting seventh in the lineup. Duran’s debut in this spot is a fresh twist for the Rangers, and it could be just the jolt they need. Bochy acknowledges that García is working hard to find his rhythm, saying, “It’s obvious he’s working on things and trying to get on track.” This benching could be the wake-up call García needs.
Tough Matchup Ahead
Now, Friday's matchup against the Red Sox might’ve been especially daunting for García. Boston’s right-hander Kutter Crawford, who’s set to start the series opener, leans heavily on his four-seam fastball, throwing it 34% of the time. García has struggled against this pitch, hitting only .214 against four-seam fastballs this season. His run value against this pitch is a staggering negative-9, placing him among the eight worst American League batters in this category.
Right-Handed Pitchers and Rangers’ Struggles
But it’s not just Crawford. The Rangers have had a rough time against right-handed pitchers lately. Since June 1, Texas hitters have managed a mere .222 average against righties, with a .632 on-base plus slugging percentage—second worst in baseball. This slump is particularly evident with García, who’s been hitting a paltry .167 against right-handers during this period, the worst among qualified Rangers hitters.
An Unexplained Struggle
Bochy has noted that right-handed pitchers have become a significant challenge for his team. “Righties have been tougher on us than the lefties now for the last six weeks, or whatever,” he said during a recent visit to Toronto. This comment reflects the Rangers' ongoing struggle to adjust. Despite their woes against righties, they’ve managed to turn things around somewhat against left-handed pitching, although Bochy admits the reasons for these trends remain somewhat mysterious.
Looking Ahead
The Rangers' lineup adjustments and strategic moves highlight their commitment to turning things around. With Duran stepping in and García getting some rest, there’s hope that the team's offensive struggles can be addressed. Whether this new approach will pay off remains to be seen, but the Rangers are definitely making strides to get back on track.
Key Takeaways:
- Rest and Revival: Adolis García is getting a much-needed break in hopes that rest will help revive his performance.
- Duran’s Debut: Utilityman Ezequiel Duran is making his mark with a major league start in right field.
- Pitching Challenges: The Rangers face a tough matchup against Boston’s Kutter Crawford, known for his heavy reliance on the four-seam fastball.
- Struggles Against Righties: The Rangers have struggled against right-handed pitchers, with poor stats since June.
- Manager’s Insight: Bruce Bochy highlights the ongoing challenge and expresses the team's efforts to overcome these issues.
The Rangers are in a critical phase, and every game counts. Fans will be watching closely to see if these adjustments lead to the revival Texas desperately needs.
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