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    Biggest Improvements to Rangers Since Last Season?

    'Heim Time' Behind Plate For Rangers

    Jonah Heim has been one of the Rangers' best hitters nearly two months into the season

    Maybe all Jonah Heim needed was the opportunity to show the Texas Rangers what he could do at and behind the plate.

    It’s something Heim has had little of during his Major League career, which started in 2020 with Oakland after a winding, seven-year journey through the minors that saw him traded from Baltimore to Tampa Bay to Oakland.

    He wasn’t long for the Athletics either, as the A’s included him in the deal for Elvis Andrus later that offseason. The big piece for the Rangers in that deal was slugger Khris Davis, who ended up hitting .157 for the Rangers in 22 games in 2021. The pitcher included in that trade, Dane Acker, is down at Class A Down East.

    Oct 2, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Brett Martin (59) and catcher Jonah Heim (right) celebrates their teams win over the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

    Jonah Heim

    Apr 14, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) follows thorough on his grand slam home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

    Jonah Heim

    Oct 2, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) follows through on his three-run home run against the Cleveland Indians during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

    Jonah Heim

    Heim, meanwhile, is taking full advantage of his opportunity to be main starter at catcher.

    Yes, Heim had a tepid series against Houston. He went 1-for-12 before an off-day on Sunday, where he pinch-hit late in the 5-2 loss. His averaged dropped from .300 to .268.

    But, his .268 is more than 70 points better than last season when he shared time with Jose Trevino and hit .192 in 82 games.

    Now, he’s among the leaders among catcher in home runs (tied for second with four) and RBI (fourth with 14).

    In March, when the Rangers dealt infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Minnesota Twins for catcher Mitch Garver, the idea was for the pair to split time. In fact, Garver started on Opening Day and became just the fourth Rangers catcher to hit a home run in the first game of the season.

    But Garver got off to a slow start at the plate and then suffered a right forearm flexor muscle strain that put him on the injured list from May 9-18. Now, Garver isn’t able to play catcher yet and can only hit. He's hitting .207 this season, though he homered Sunday.

    The Rangers called up their prized catching prospect Sam Huff. He’s hit well, and went 2-for-4 on Sunday. Huff is hitting .435, as the Rangers left Houston for the West Coast.

    May 3, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Mitch Garver (18) celebrates with right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) after hitting a two RBI home run during the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

    Mitch Garver

    May 1, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Mitch Garver (18) and starting pitcher Taylor Hearn (52) warm up before a game against the Atlanta Braves at Globe Life Field.

    Mitch Garver

    Sep 23, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Sam Huff against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

    Sam Huff

    Heim has caught 21 of the Rangers’ first 40 games. And since Garver went to the injured list on May 9, Heim has started 11 of the last 13 games, either at catcher or designated hitter.

    Heim is showing he can produce at the plate with consistent playing time. Bounce back after a tough weekend in Houston will be key for the one of the Rangers’ best hitters the first two months.

    You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard

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