Rangers have another threat with Andrus running again
Elvis Andrus entered Friday tied for second in the American League in stolen bases. He, Texas Rangers teammate Delino DeShields and Seattle Mariners speedster Jarrod Dyson had 17 steals apiece, five behind Cameron Maybin of the Anaheim Angels.
It’s not unusual to find Andrus among the leaders in that category, but this season it’s an indication that he has returned to full strength after dealing with a sports hernia for most of last season.
He still managed 24 steals and has stolen at least 20 in all eight seasons in his career. Now, he has set his sights on a career-high.
“I set a high, good expectation, especially after the surgery, of 40 this year, but the way I’m going, I’m going to try to push it to 50,” said Andrus, whose career-high in steals is 42. “As long as I’m over that, yeah, but I have my eyes on 50.”
Andrus said that his groin bothers him occasionally, but there have been no issues with the hernia. Not only is he running more, which includes advancing on wild pitches and scoring from first on extra-base h its, but his defensive range has also improved.
The more Andrus runs, the more dangerous the Rangers’ offense can be. They didn’t lack in firepower last year en route to the AL West title, but the stolen base and even just the threat of a steal was missing some.
“There were times he tried but wasn’t able to give us exactly what he’s giving us now,” manager Jeff Banister said. “It’s fun to watch. When he’s running well and putting pressure, it puts in a dynamic that we really like.”
Jeff Wilson: 817-390-7760, @JeffWilson_FWST
This story was originally published June 23, 2017 at 6:09 PM with the headline "Rangers have another threat with Andrus running again."