Rangers run producers have yet to leave their mark on ALDS

In a short series, the slightest of slumps loom large. For the Rangers’ run-producers time is running out to heat up the lumber.

Prince Fielder, Mitch Moreland, Adrian Beltre and Shin-Soo Choo — the Texas Rangers RBI leaders this season (each with 82 or more), have combined for just three RBI in the first four games of the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Josh Hamilton and Elvis Andrus have one RBI between them. Only two Rangers are hitting over .273 in the series — Beltre, who missed Game 3 with a back issue is hitting .600, and Delino DeShields is hitting .300.

“Look, it’s a short series and you’re facing heightened competitive pitchers,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “There are some that are not going to attack the middle of the lineup, there are some that when they get to these type of scenarios their execution level goes up.”

There was no panic in the Rangers clubhouse after the Game 4 loss. There were some offensive bright spots. Choo had three hits and Beltre and Andrus had two. In the first two games, Texas took early leads and held on for wins. Andrus sees that as crucial in Game 5 at 3:07 p.m. Wednesday at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

“We didn’t get anything going, especially in the first two or three innings,” he said. “We’re not creating enough opportunities, especially early in the game. Every time we do that early we set the rhythm of the game. Last two nights it hasn’t happened. Score early and let Cole [Hamels] do the rest.”

Magnitude doesn’t help

Catcher Chris Gimenez said hitters staying within themselves is the key to snapping out of an offensive funk. Everyone saw Choo blossom at the plate in the second half when he began to relax at the plate.

“Obviously, the pressure is what it is,” he said. “It being the playoffs and kind of win-or-go-home, obviously the scenario we are in right now, but I think you just have to continue to grind it out and trust your hands, trust your approach, you have to just continue to grind, grind those at-bats out.”

On to Arizona

Outfielder Joey Gallo, right-hander Nick Martinez and infielder Ed Lucas returned to Arizona to stay fresh in case they’re needed later in the postseason.

Rua opts out

Outfielder Ryan Rua has declined to play in the Arizona Fall League. Rookie Jose Trevino will replace him on the roster.

This story was originally published October 13, 2015 at 3:45 PM with the headline "Rangers run producers have yet to leave their mark on ALDS."