Texas Rangers

Rangers Insider: Bats quiet in the second week; Royals on tap next at Globe Life Field

Second baseman Marcus Semien (2) is greeted in the dugout after scoring against the Chicago Cubs during the Texas Rangers’ 8-2 win at Wrigley Field on Sunday.
Second baseman Marcus Semien (2) is greeted in the dugout after scoring against the Chicago Cubs during the Texas Rangers’ 8-2 win at Wrigley Field on Sunday. David Banks David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers bullpen has been downright dominant to open the season. The Rangers relievers went 23.2 innings without giving up a run before Saturday’s 10-3 loss against Chicago.

Meanwhile, the team’s offense has struggled recently before beating the Cubs 8-3 on Sunday.

Here’s a look at the last week in Rangers baseball and look ahead to whats coming:

Bullpen Dominance

The Bullpens streak of scoreless innings was snapped at 23.2 innings in the Rangers’ loss on Saturday. Despite the streak being broken, the Rangers’ bullpen still ranks among the MLB’s best to start the season.


Heading into Sunday’s game the Rangers’ bullpen ranks in the top six in the MLB in ERA (2.10), WHIP (1.03), Walks (10), and opponent batting average (.194).


In their series finale versus the Cubs the bullpen was once again excellent in relief allowing no runs on one hit with five strikeouts and one walk.

Series Losses

After starting off the season with a sweep of the defending NLCS Champion Phillies the Rangers have dropped both series since nearly avoiding a sweep against the Orioles.

Since their 3-0 start the Rangers are 2-4 over their past six games (1-2 against Orioles and the Cubs), winning the last game in each of the two series.

Boom or Bust

The Rangers’ offense has been a seesaw to start the season. Through nine games the Rangers gave scored five runs or more in four games and scored two runs or less in four games as well.


The Rangers series with the Cubs was a perfect example, the Rangers had more runs (8) in their lone win in the series than in their two losses (3).

Josh Jung ascending

After a slow initial few games, Josh Jung has gotten out to a hot start this season. Jung has impressed from the plate and the field with manager Bruce Bochy and his fellow players noting how well Jung played during the Rangers’ opening home stand.


Jung ranks top five among Rangers batters in hits (8), home runs (2) and RBIs (5).

Upcoming Schedule

The Rangers open a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals at 7:05 p.m. on Monday at Globe Life Field. The game will be a Mariachi Monday presented by T-Mobile. Former TCU horned Frog and current Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin will throw out the first pitch.

On Tuesday the Rangers will play the Royals at 7:05 p.m. at Globe Life Field. This game will be a Coca-Cola Family Fun Tuesday with discounts at selected vendors around the park and obtain autographs from players and coaches pregame.

The Rangers will conclude their series with the Kansas City Royals at 7:05 p.m. at Globe Life Field. The game will be a dollar dog day and have the national anthem sung by the LD Bell Showchoir under the direction of Jo Ann Antinone.

After the Royal series, the Rangers will be off on Thursday before starting a three-game weekend series on the road against the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros on Friday.

This story was originally published April 9, 2023 at 4:14 PM.

Profile Image of Lawrence Dow
Lawrence Dow
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Lawrence Dow is a digital sports reporter from Philadelphia. He graduated with a master’s degree in journalism from USC. He’s passionate about movies and is always looking for a great book. He covers the Texas Rangers and other sports.
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