The Rangers Report – June 16

Anyone who follows MLB odds or the sport in general knows that no truly great team succeeds without finding a way to overcome adversity. Well, the Texas Rangers sure are being put to the test now. The injuries are piling up, a key superstar is slumping and, don’t look now, but the Los Angeles Angels are charging. What’s next for the Rangers?

Season record: 35-27
AL West rank: 1
Odds to win World Series: 12 ½ to 1

THE LINEUP

When you look at the bandbox ballpark and the glossy overall stats – only the Yankees have more homers in the American League – the Rangers’ offense still looks formidable. But the truth is that it’s in a serious slide. As a team, Texas is hitting just .201 in its last eight games, scoring just 21 runs in that period. A major reason for the slide is the massive decline of Ian Kinsler. He set the world on fire in April but suddenly finds himself with the 10th-best batting average and 11th-best on-base percentage in the AL. He needs to find himself for Texas to keep its division lead – especially since the Rangers won’t see Josh Hamilton (abdominal surgery) for at least another month.

THE ROTATION

Even as the Rangers’ World Series hopes slide as quickly as Roger Federer’s Wimbledon odds skyrocket, Kevin Millwood is a lone ray of light in Arlington. The crafty vet has tossed 14.2 scoreless innings over his last two starts – both wins – and has allowed more than four runs just once all season. Unfortunately, the good news ends with Millwood for Texas. Brandon McCarthy landed on the DL for the fourth time as a Ranger with a stress fracture in his right shoulder. It’s a concerning injury because he suffered the same malady two years ago.

With Matt Harrison also on the shelf, someone has to step up for the Rangers. Could it be El Duque? Orlando Hernandez signed with the Rangers last week and, while he was brought in to help “in the bullpen or rotation,” it’s increasingly likely that Texas will need the “39”-year-old to start games. I’m betting management in Texas gives him the green light.

THE BULLPEN

The hits just keep on coming for the Rangers. Frank Francisco’s breakout season – in which he was 12 for 12 in save tries – is on hold again. The big righty hit the 15-DL again last week with shoulder soreness but isn’t expected to miss much time. He had a good bullpen session Monday and could be back as early as Friday, though my MLB predictions crystal ball suggests the Rangers will handle him carefully and reserve him until next week.

C.J. Wilson will hold down the closing job until Francisco returns. Wilson has been adequate in the role this season, converting six of seven chances.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

If you wager online, you may want to avoid the Rangers for now .They’re as banged up – not to mention ice-cold offensively – as a team can be. However, Rangers fans shouldn’t give up one bit. They still have the division lead and it’s only a matter of time before the big bats get hot again and the injuries heal.