Defense Surprisingly Good In Texas Rangers Start
The Texas Rangers have been very shaky defensively in the last six seasons.
It was a big reason why they failed to make the playoffs.
Over the past couple of seasons, the defense as a whole has steadily gotten better.
This roster in 2023 may be the best in recent memory.
Let’s not get crazy – this team likely won’t walk away with a handful of Gold Gloves.
But they’re certainly good enough across the board to help the Rangers reach the postseason. The Rangers are currently seventh in Major League Baseball with a .992 fielding percentage.
Texas is 4-3 going into Saturday’s second game against the Chicago Cubs.
Even in Friday’s 2-0 loss at Wrigley Field, Texas manager Bruce Bochy pointed out the improved pitching and defense. Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi gave up only two runs over 5 2/3 innings, while relievers Cole Ragans and Ian Kennedy kept the bullpen’s scoreless inning streak going. Rookie third baseman Josh Jung continues to shine in the field.
“You have to love the way we’re throwing the ball right now,” Bochy said. “Nate did a great job. Ragans, Kennedy pitched well. Good game defensively for us. Jung, again, nice day at third base for him. But it comes down to you need a big hit with men on.”
Second baseman Marcus Semien, for instance, looks like an improved fielder, not the inconsistent one he was for years with the Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays.
He understands that sometimes bad defensive plays happen.
“I had one play I wish I could have back,” Semien said after Wednesday’s 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles. “I think the point I’m at in my career, I’m understanding errors are gonna happen. I’m gonna see a bunch of different plays. They don’t affect me like they used to. I think just give me another one.”
Semien has committed just one error in seven games. His teammates have been much improved in the field as well.
Baseball can be a simple game with hitting, pitching and defense.
Over the last six seasons, the Rangers have not been able to weave all three together to produce enough wins.
The Rangers’ hitting and pitching are both massively better. Fielding is coming along now which makes them a definite threat in the American League.
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