Central Track Editor’s Note:Welcome to Rangers Revolver, the recurring feature that takes a closer look at some of the more pressing issues facing Your Texas Rangers by firing off six notable bullets worthy of your consideration.
Things got off to a shaky start this past week for Your Texas Rangers. The hometown team lost its second game back from the All-Star Break to the Seattle Mariners, who seem to have had the Rangers’ number at times this season. But the Rangers eventually settled their problems with the M’s in the last game of the series, winning in a shutout before moving on south to face the streaking Oakland Athletics.
• The Rangers’ hottest hitter in the last seven days is none other than Adrian Beltre (16 HR, 58 RBI), who had four hits and as many RBI in 11 at-bats over the last week. In an offense stacked with sluggers prone to hot and cold streaks, the right-hander has proven to be the most consistent hitter for the team this year, and his .325 batting average ranks fourth among all AL hitters.
• The AL West-leading Rangers (55-35) have won two games in a row now. They remain a game behind the Yankess for the best record in the majors and hold a five-and-a-half game lead over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who the Rangers will square off against this weekend at Angel Stadium.
• The Rangers’ pitching situation continues to stabilize. Matt Harrison (12-4) pitched an outstanding five-hitter against the Mariners, leaving the M’s with a goose egg on the board after nine innings. His 12th win puts him in a four-way tie for the best in the majors. Also looking good is Roy Oswalt (3-1), who has only allowed a single run in each of his two most recent outings.
• The Rangers might have something special in Robbie Ross. The 23-year-old rookie has an impressive 6-0 record with an 0.95 ERA in his role as a reliever. He was hazed earlier this season into dressing up as a cowboy, but he’s proving himself a man among boys.
• Here’s a fun fact: Rangers ace Matt Harrison tossed 114 pitches in his complete gameagainst the Mariners. That may seem excessive by today’s standard, but if you try telling that to Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan, he might laugh. The Hall-of-Famer once threw well over 200 pitches in a 13-inning complete game against the Boston Red Sox in 1974.
• The Rangers made a few notable transactions in the past week. They recalled catcher Luis Martinez from Round Rock after placing Yorvit Torrealba on the paternity leave list. The team also activated RHP Alexi Ogando from the 15-day DL, and optioned RHP Yoshinori Tateyama to Round Rock.