Young Rangers Nomar Mazara, Rougned Odor eager to play under retractable roof
The future of the Rangers gave a big thumbs up to the prospect of playing in a retractable roof stadium in 2021.
Nomar Mazara and Rougned Odor, the two youngest players on the roster, are no strangers to playing in the Texas heat. Both think the plans for the club to open a retractable roof stadium by the 2021 season is good for the team and its fans.
“It looks great. It’s going to be good,” Odor said of seeing the artists’ renderings. “In Texas, it’s pretty hot but that stadium looks good, it’s going to be good for us and the fans, too.”
He and Mazara dismissed the heat being too much for them to handle but agreed playing in an air-conditioned stadium in July and August would be good for both players and fans.
“They’re trying to make some changes to get some more fans, and no rain delays because of bad weather,” said Mazara, the youngest player in the big leagues at 21 years, 25 days. “When it’s really, really hot it’s kind of tough. It’s going to be good for us.”
Manager Jeff Banister said clubs do a great job today helping their players deal with the heat. The retractable roof, he said, is a home run for fans.
“The comfort for our fans to have that, what a great thing for them,” he said. “We have a nice house, we really do. Yet, the prospect of possibly of having a house with a retractable roof where it would be great for the fans, the experience, you never have to worry about losing a game from weather.”
Ramos’ routine
Left-hander Cesar Ramos is making his second consecutive start as part of the rotation Saturday against the Astros. His two previous starts did not afford him as much preparation time.
“Definitely, being in a routine, especially as a starter, it’s huge,” he said. “You’re throwing your bullpen to keep building on what you’re doing. It’s kind of nice to be able to pitch a side and work on that stuff and know you’re pitching inside that five days.” Ramos allowed a run in 4 1/3 innings Sunday. He has a career 1.46 ERA over 10 relief appearances (12 1/3 innings) against the Astros.
“I’ll stick to my game plan and if it goes down that short left field, it happens, but they’ve got to pitch here, too,” he said. “Going deeper and be efficient. I’m successful when I’m efficient and ahead early.”
Hamels up Sunday
Cole Hamels will pitch Sunday on a regular four days’ rest. The Rangers elected to push Derek Holland back to Monday’s start in Arlington to allow Hamels to stay on his preferred regular work routine.
“Based on his routine, what he likes,” Banister said. “The regular rest routine seems to be beneficial for Cole.”
Frisco additions
Double A Frisco added four players Friday. Three players were promoted from High A High Desert, including left-hander Joe Filomeno and right-handers Yohander Mendez and Luis Ortiz. Infielder Evan Van Hoosier joined them from extended spring training.
Stefan Stevenson: 817-390-7760, @StevensonFWST
This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 7:25 PM with the headline "Young Rangers Nomar Mazara, Rougned Odor eager to play under retractable roof."