Off days helping Rangers’ Andrus excel despite minor groin strain
Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus has had 11 games off in 2016, including three since July 31.
That’s more days down than usual for Andrus, who played in all but two games in 2015, and started all but three. In fact, since 2012 Andrus has played in at least 156 games a season. Even if he played in each of the 43 remaining games, including Monday night’s opener against the Oakland Athletics, it’ll be his fewest in a season since playing 148 in 2011.
I didn’t have any early this year. so sometimes I have to understand him.
Elvis Andrus
The main reason for the days off is a minor groin injury he’s played with since May. At least that’s what Andrus is assuming. He hasn’t asked manager Jeff Banister for an explanation.
Whatever the case, it’s working. Andrus has a career-best .290 batting average and .751 on-base plus slugging percentage. He’s within striking distance in career highs in homers and RBIs, too. Still, Andrus does not like watching from the dugout.
“It’s nothing serious because I’ve been able to play, but sometimes they give me an extra day off and you have to take it,” he said of the minor pain. “Sometimes I don’t need it and I hate to be on the bench. It’s just miserable.”
During the dog days of August, a few extra days off could be beneficial down the stretch and into October. Andrus understands the reasoning. Plus, the addition of Jurickson Profar on the roster allows Banister to sprinkle in more days off throughout his lineup.
“That’s been huge for us,” Banister said.
Andrus started 63 of the first 68 games, so Profar’s emergence in late May came at a good time.
“It’s a perfect time. I didn’t have any [off days] early this year so sometimes I have to understand him,” said Andrus, who started in 63 of the first 68 games. “The heat and playing every day gets you really tired. Having Profar on the team you can give me a day off or Rougie a day off,” he said. “You just have to use it the right way and be ready for the next game.”
Harrell’s spot
Lucas Harrell makes his fourth start for the Rangers Tuesday night and it could be his last. By the time his spot in the rotation comes around on Saturday, left-hander Derek Holland will be eligible to return from the disabled list.
Holland made his third rehab start for Triple A Round Rock on Monday night in Salt Lake City.
Banister said the club will wait to see how Holland responds before determining when he’ll return. He went on the DL with left shoulder inflammation on June 21.
Harrell understands his role, Banister said. There’s no need to warn him that Holland, and eventually Colby Lewis, are returning from the DL. Lewis is eligible Sunday but is unlikely to be ready until the end of the month or first week in September.
“I don’t know that that’s conducive to increasing performance for anyone,” Banister said of Harrell. “His job is to go out and perform each time he’s given the baseball. If he does that, keeps us in the game and manages the game well for us, give us some length, that’s kind of what his job is right now. I still think he competes as good as anybody we have.”
Banister said Harrell is an option as a long man in the bullpen if and when he’s no longer in the rotation. His ability to strike out batters is enticing, especially in September if a game gets “sideways” on the Rangers, Banister said.
Having someone such as Harrell burn through some middle innings without using the bullpen stoppers would benefit the club.
Harrell said pitching coach Doug Brocail detected a minor delivery flaw during his last start.
“Just staying back and keeping my hips loaded, because if I don’t keep my hips loaded I open up and my ball gets flat,” Harrell said. “Sunday’s bullpen went really well and I’m going to take that into the game.”
Stefan Stevenson: 817-390-7760, @StevensonFWST
This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 6:28 PM with the headline "Off days helping Rangers’ Andrus excel despite minor groin strain."