Rangers Roundup: Cold and miserable at Wrigley
The Rangers don't play well at Wrigley Field, especially in the cold.
The Rangers Roundup is back!
In case you’ve miss the previous iterations of this newsletter, you can check those out below:
And if you’re unaware about what any of this even is, here’s a brief explainer:
The Rangers Roundup will be your one-stop shop for all things Texas Rangers. After every series — usually on Monday and Thursday mornings — the Roundup will land in your inbox and give you everything you need to know about what’s happening in Arlington. I’m excited to start this up, and I’m even more excited to share it with all of you.
How this all works will be flexible. I’m giving myself the freedom to switch up the format if need be, so if you have any feedback, feel free to send it my way. For now, I’m modeling it somewhat after what the great Jamey Newberg does in his game recaps, which are done in a “Three Up, Three Down” format. The Rangers Roundup is not a copy, but it is certainly inspired. After each series, I’ll give you a number of things I’m pleased with, alongside some aspects that might not be as great. The number of those items is subject to change depending on the circumstances. There will also be some other nuggets thrown into the newsletter as well. Again, all of this is flexible. I’ve been known to change my mind on a whim before.
I sincerely apologize for the delay in this edition of the Roundup. My back left tire on my beloved car decided to have a date with a sizable nail, which derailed the entire day. So, as I type this in the lobby of a Discount Tire, here’s to hoping it’s fixed quickly. (Update: They couldn’t repair it. Why are tires so expensive? It’s just a bunch of rubber.)
Anyway, the Rangers just wrapped up a three-game set in Chicago against the Cubs. The friendly confines of Wrigley Field weren’t so friendly this time around — which isn’t surprising given the Rangers’ history there. Coming into the series, the Cubs were 7-5 all-time against Texas in Chicago, including a series win back in April of 2023. That series, much like this one, followed a successful start to the campaign for Texas. And, similar to this year’s edition, the Rangers proceeded to lay a couple of eggs while playing in one of the most historic places in the United States.
Bad games are going to happen over the course of a seven-month baseball season. That’s just the reality. Unfortunately, the volatile nature of a 162-game season can lead some fans to become irrationally optimistic or pessimistic when such emotions aren’t warranted. I saw a lot of negativity (and participated in some of it myself) online regarding the Rangers’ performance over the first two games of the series. Yes, those games were really bad and not fun to experience, but it’s still crucial to remember that it’s a long season (I know that’s cliché, sorry), and the team you root for isn’t going to win every game they play.
For those who didn’t get the chance to watch this week, here are the results from the Rangers’ three contests against the Cubs:
Monday: Chicago (NL) 7, Texas 0
Tuesday: Chicago (NL) 10, Texas 6
Wednesday: Texas 6, Chicago (NL) 2
Despite the series loss, Texas is 9-4 and is still atop the AL West. Tracking the standings this early might be a silly venture, but still one that is pertinent.
A lot of the focus in this Rangers Roundup will be on those first two games and the unfortunate circumstances that unfolded during them. Fortunately, that’s not the end of the story. Without further ado, it’s time to Roundup the week that was for the Texas Rangers.
Leody Taveras’ Rough Week
Leody Taveras did not have a fun time in the outfield at Wrigley Field. The supposed defense-first center fielder for the Rangers made three blunders in the field (at least by my count), all of which cost Texas on the scoreboard.
The first miscue came in the bottom of the fifth on Tuesday. Chicago had loaded the bases on three consecutive singles to lead off the frame in a 3-3 game. Dansby Swanson, the Cubs’ star shortstop, hit a fly ball to Taveras that was plenty deep enough to score the runner from third and also allow the runner at second to advance 90 feet. Taveras, instead of throwing to second, opted to launch the ball to third base in an attempt to get the tagging runner out. As everyone in the stadium knew —except Taveras, apparently — that was an impossible task. The runner was safe, and to make matters worse (and this is the real blunder here), Justin Turner, who was on first base, took advantage of the throw to third and tagged up to second.
The very next batter, Nico Hoerner, dumped a single into left field that allowed both runners to score, putting the Cubs ahead 6-3. If Taveras had thrown to second instead of third, that second run likely doesn’t score, and Texas is just behind 5-3.
Later in that same game, in the bottom of the eighth with the score once again tied — this time at 6-6 — Taveras overran a fly ball from Ian Happ that should’ve been the first out of the inning. Instead, it fell to the ground, allowing Happ to reach second. It was the beginning of a disastrous inning for the Rangers, one in which they gave up four runs. I can’t confidently say that Texas would’ve kept the game tied if Taveras had made the catch, but I’m fairly certain the game wouldn’t have spiraled out of control the way it did.
Taveras made another mistake on Wednesday, overrunning a ball again, which turned a Seiya Suzuki double into a triple. That misplay was less costly, mostly because the Rangers ended up winning. Regardless, Taveras’ missteps in center are costing the team games. And with his bat not providing enough pop to justify the poor defense, I don’t see a reason for him to remain the everyday center fielder.
Unfortunately, the potential replacements for Taveras are currently unavailable.
The Wyatt Langford Injury
Wyatt Langford would’ve been my number one pick to take over the most important outfield position, but his right oblique strain on Tuesday night put a wrinkle into that dream.
Langford has easily been one of the most productive Rangers to start 2025. Prior to his injury, he’d already hit four homers — leading the team — including a game-tying blast in the top of the third on Tuesday evening. His firepower at the top of the lineup helped buoy a group that was struggling. Now, the Rangers will be without him for at least a week and change.
For what it’s worth, Langford lobbied hard not to be put on the injured list, but the team opted to exercise an incredible amount of caution. Just like with Jack Leiter’s blister, there’s no need to risk anything this early in the season. The Rangers hope to nip Langford’s oblique issue in the bud here in April so that he can be available for the rest of the season. They certainly need him — he’s one of the most important figures on this roster.
In response to Langford’s injury, the Rangers called up OF Dustin Harris and IF Ezequiel Duran (who had been sent down once Josh Jung was activated off the IL on Tuesday), while sending IF Jonathan Ornelas to Triple-A Round Rock. Don’t expect Harris or Duran to get much playing time in the short term. They’re just here to provide necessary depth. If either of them sees regular action over the coming days, something has gone terribly wrong.
Monday Misery and the Cold
The entirety of Monday’s 7-0 drubbing was awful. It wasn’t fun, and frankly, I don’t have much desire to relive it. Luckily, I wrote about it on Tuesday afternoon, mostly focusing on the hitting woes the Rangers have been experiencing. Fortunately for the team—and the fans—it seems those struggles might be fading, or at least easing. Still, check out that piece!
Also: it was so cold in Chicago. The temperature at first pitch on Monday was 34 degrees, Tuesday was 35, and Wednesday was 40 and rainy. Not ideal baseball conditions.
It was clear that nobody on the field wanted to be out there. Leody Taveras looked like he had 50 layers on (which might’ve contributed to his slew of misplays), and everyone else looked just as uncomfortable.
Playing in cold weather isn’t a novel phenomenon in baseball. A good chunk of the postseason is played in the frigid October air, and no one seems to have much issue with it. I presume the added adrenaline of those games negates any discomfort with the environment.
Here’s to hoping the Rangers don’t have to brave any more miserable weather moving forward. That’s why they built a roof, after all.
Josh Jung’s Return
I don’t know what it is about Josh Jung’s presence that makes the Rangers win ballgames, but it’s amazing nonetheless.
The second Jung re-entered the lineup on Tuesday after his brief IL stint due to neck spasms, the offense came alive. Texas collected 12 hits on Tuesday, albeit in a 10-6 loss, but then racked up 11 base knocks in a 6-2 win on Wednesday. Jung himself was integral to those offensive bursts, going 4-for-8 over the two-game stretch and driving in two runs.
Jung isn’t the best player in the world — far from it actually — but there’s no denying that his presence helps Texas win games. From 2023–24, the Rangers were 76-50 with Jung in the lineup. Without him, they were a paltry 43-53.
Needless to say, keeping Jung healthy is crucial to Texas’ success in 2025. While there’s no definitive explanation for the uptick in victories with him, the trend is hard to ignore. Some teams just have a guy that brings that intangible spark. Maybe Jung is that guy.
Seager’s Back
Corey Seager opened up his batting stance during his second at-bat of Tuesday night’s game. Prior to the change, Seager had uncharacteristically been struggling, slashing a measly .161/.235/.258 (.493 OPS) over the team’s first nine games. In the two contests since the adjustment, Seager is now slashing .220/.273/.439 (.712 OPS).
The change didn’t immediately pay off, but it was clear results were on the way. He flew out sharply in his first at-bat with the widened stance, and if not for some fierce Wrigley Field wind, the ball likely would’ve left the yard. In the seventh, he smashed a hard grounder up the middle at 103.6 MPH for a base hit. Progress.
Wednesday’s game confirmed it: Seager was back. He homered to the opposite field in the first inning to give the Rangers the lead, then launched another long ball in the seventh to provide a crucial insurance tally. As usual, Seager’s stoicism was on full display as he rounded the bases for his third homer of the season. If you didn’t know any better, you might think he was indifferent — but if you know Seager, you know he was quietly elated to break through the slump.
Mahle’s Masterpiece
There weren’t many good pitching performances for the Rangers in Chicago. Nathan Eovaldi battled on Monday night, but it was clear he didn’t have the same stuff he showed in his last start against the Reds. Patrick Corbin made his Rangers debut on Tuesday and . . . yeah, it wasn’t great. Then Tyler Mahle took the mound on Wednesday. And, oh man, was it a beautiful sight.
For seven innings, Mahle stymied the Cubs. His fastball, while not overpowering, produced an exceptionally high whiff rate (28%). He located everything perfectly, consistently taking control of at-bats with first-pitch strikes. While it wasn’t quite on the level of Eovaldi’s complete-game shutout last week, it was still an excellent display of efficient, winning baseball.
Mahle isn’t a guy who will overpower hitters. His fastball maxes out around 93 MPH, but the high spin rate makes it play up — jumping on hitters faster than expected and generating weak contact or swings and misses. Pair that with a solid splitter and slider, and you’ve got yourself a winning recipe.
Since his rough first start of the season, where he didn’t make it out of the second inning, Mahle has now delivered back-to-back gems. Time will tell if he can keep it up, but if he does—watch out. The Rangers might have a rotation that can hang with the best in baseball.
It’s Off to Seattle
The Rangers will now play their first division series of the season against the Seattle Mariners in what should be an exciting three-game set. The pitching matchups alone are worth the price of admission.
(Side note: For anyone who’s been to Seattle—is the Space Needle actually that cool? I feel like there are so many buildings like it around the world — like the CN Tower in Toronto — that maybe it’s lost some of its uniqueness. I’d love to be proven wrong, though.)
Here are the probables:
Friday: (TEX) Jacob deGrom (0-0, 3.38 ERA) vs. (SEA) Bryce Miller (0-2, 5.73 ERA)
Saturday: (TEX) Kumar Rocker (0-1, 7.88 ERA) vs. (SEA) Bryan Woo (1-0, 3.75 ERA)
Sunday: (TEX) Nathan Eovaldi (1-1, 2.29 ERA) vs. (SEA) Logan Gilbert (0-1, 2.55 ERA)
All three matchups are intriguing, but Friday’s — deGrom vs. Miller — is especially exciting. Sign me up.
Seattle is coming off their first series win of the year, a dramatic victory over the Houston Astros. In the finale on Wednesday afternoon, the Mariners staged a ferocious comeback after being down 5-0 in the eighth. A grand slam by Randy Arozarena brought them within a run, and a double by Julio Rodríguez tied it in the ninth. With the bases loaded, Arozarena walked to bring in the winning run.
It was an electric finish to an electric series. Here’s hoping this weekend delivers just as much excitement—but in the Rangers’ favor, of course.