Nomar Mazara remains the Rangers’ Big Chill despite league’s counterpunch

Nomar Mazara continues to impress, even as the league starts to get a read on what he likes at the plate.

Since he went 0 for 6 May 9 against the White Sox, Mazara is 16 for 43 with four homers, including a second-inning shot into the right-field upper porch Wednesday that Statcast listed at 491 feet. If that’s accurate, it would be the longest home run at Globe Life Park. The Rangers said they can’t verify the distance because their system listed it at 442.

Although that debate might go on for a while, Mazara’s early success as a rookie isn’t up for argument.

Mazara has been dubbed the “Big Chill” for his laid-back demeanor at the plate and in the field. That was on display Monday night when he wisely let a sinking liner drop in front of him and quickly fired to second base to throw out a runner who had to wait between the bases to make sure Mazara didn’t make the catch.

“It shows us that he’s cognizant of the situation, he’s aware and the game doesn’t speed up on him,” manager Jeff Banister said. “I guess his hard drive is quicker than most being able to process all that type of information and make the right play. A lot of guys might have tried to dive for that ball.”

Mazara, at 162 plate appearances through the first 38 games of his career before Wednesday, still has plenty left to learn, Banister cautioned.

“He hasn’t even completed a full year in the big leagues. Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves,” said Banister, before listing off the attributes that have helped Mazara lead all qualifying rookies in the American League in most offensive categories.

“Is he calm? Yes. That’s why he’s gotten the nickname. Does he retain information well? Yes, he’s shown that. Does he make good decisions? Yes.”

Mazara entered Wednesday’s game leading American League rookies in batting average (.317), on-base percentage (.364), hits (46) and slugging (.483).

Sure, the league will continue to counter him at the plate with more information. So far, however, Mazara has responded to every challenge.

“That process is ongoing. There hasn’t just been one punch, there’s been a couple, and he’s responded,” Banister said. “He doesn’t allow a rough at-bat to carry over. It was not too long ago he had a pretty rough night. And he’s responded.”

Odor decision

Rougned Odor’s suspension ruling is expected to be announced Thursday. The league issued Odor an eight-game suspension and $5,000 fine for punching the Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista on May 15.

Odor appealed the ruling and had a hearing Tuesday. He has stayed in the lineup for all but one game since the punch, including Wednesday.

This story was originally published May 25, 2016 at 2:37 PM with the headline "Nomar Mazara remains the Rangers’ Big Chill despite league’s counterpunch."