Rangers lineup designed to stretch pitchers, scratch runs

Jeff Banister hasn’t shied away from his intention of putting hitters wherever he believes they will best help the Texas Rangers score the most runs each game, even if some hitters bounce around the lineup.

That’s where one of the first-year manager’s catchphrases, “comfortable being uncomfortable,” comes into play.

On Monday, he delved into the batting order he drew up for Opening Day against Oakland, explaining himself with greater precision than he had all spring when it came to lineup decisions.

The Rangers, Banister reinforced, have no set lineup, but the players the team needs to produce likely will hold down one spot much of the season.

It all depends on which combination of hitters will tax the opposing starter and make bullpen moves all the more difficult.

“It’s a lineup for today,” Banister said. “Like I’ve said all along, we’re going to look for a lineup that creates run-scoring opportunities for us on a nightly basis.

Leonys Martin was already anointed as the leadoff hitter, so that was no surprise when he batted first as the Rangers played a late game at O.co Coliseum.

But the rest of the lineup was unsettled after a spring in which many different combinations were used. Some of that was because of days off for players, but some of it was Banister searching for what worked.

As it shook out against A’s starter Sonny Gray, shortstop Elvis Andrus was back in the second spot, followed by first baseman Prince Fielder, third baseman Adrian Beltre and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo.

Left fielder Ryan Rua, designated hitter Mitch Moreland, catcher Robinson Chirinos and second baseman Rougned Odor rounded out a lineup that alternated left-handed and right-handed hitters 1 through 9.

“I felt like hitting Choo in the five slot allowed us to lengthen the lineup out a little bit,” Banister said. “With Moreland a little farther down, it gives us a couple threats down the lineup.”

Choo said during spring training that he prefers hitting third, but batting fifth won’t alter his approach. Even during an injury-plagued 2014 in which be batted only .242 and struck out 131 times in 123 games, Choo led the team and was 17th in the American League with 4.07 pitches per plate appearance.

He also recognizes that he could have more opportunities to drive in runs if the first four hitters are doing their jobs.

“It really doesn’t matter,” Choo said. “I’ll have more guys on base. I’ll have more chances with runners in scoring position. It depends on the situation, but it’s pretty much the same approach every time.”

Choo batted third most often in spring training, but he also hit second, fifth and sixth. There was some speculation that Choo could replace Andrus in the No. 2 spot, but Andrus was their for the opener.

Right-hander Jesse Hahn is scheduled to pitch for Oakland on Tuesday, and left-hander Scott Kazmir is the A’s probable pitcher for Wednesday. Lineup changes could be coming.

“I’m sure our core group of guys, you’ll see those guys show up in pretty consistent spots,” Banister said. “There are other hitters you may see move from time to time, but we’ll continue to look at those prospects and see how it plays out for us.”

This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 10:33 PM with the headline "Rangers lineup designed to stretch pitchers, scratch runs."