Thursday newsletter time: Rangers’ loss to Boston leaves Jon Gray short on words
(AP photo/Steven Senne)
Bruce Bochy seemed frustrated Wednesday night, as did right-hander Jon Gray.
The Rangers had lost to Boston, 4-2, and their lead in the American League West was cut to two games.
Bochy noted how the offense failed to deliver the key hit with runners in scoring position. Gray said that Boston hitters didn’t have much hard contact against him, and one play in the sixth inning put a dent in the Rangers’ comeback efforts.
The Red Sox took a 3-0 lead against Gray, but Adolis Garcia hit a two-run homer to bring the Rangers within one. Boston countered with one of their own in the bottom half thanks to a ball that got past first baseman Nate Lowe and then slipped away from Garcia in right field and allow a run to score.
The ball was hit hard and was ruled a hit, but Garcia was hit with an error.
“Nothing went our way,” Gray said.
Gray usually has plenty to say after a start, but this time seemed stumped by what had just happened. He has has lost his last four decisions, and he pitched poorly in the only game the Rangers have won in his past five starts. He didn’t pitch well last week in surrendering a lead to Houston, and he won’t get to pitch again until after the All-Star break.
The Rangers have only four games remaining until the break begins. Nathan Eovaldi will face his old team tonight as the Rangers try to leave Fenway Park with a series win they badly need.
They have lost three in a row.
Adolis to the Derby
Wishes do come true.
Garcia, who badly wanted to participate in the Home Run Derby, was finally invited Tuesday. His opponent in the first round of the All-Star Game’s showcase event is fellow Cuban outfielder and good buddy Randy Arozarena.
It should be fun. Some expressed concern about Garcia fading in the second half, with the Derby’s reputation for causing slumps. The format does lend itself to hitters wearing themselves out and altering their swing for more elevation.
Garcia could be an exception, as it seems like he uses a Derby swing in games.
The Derby is Monday night. Garcia could have a big day, as the American League starting lineup will be revealed a few hours before he takes his swings.
Two starting outfielders, Aaron Judge and Mike Trout, are out, and Garcia could become the fifth Rangers starter if he finished high enough in player voting.
ICYMI …
With vacation season in full swing, especially before the July 4 holiday, there’s a good chance that readership wasn’t at an all-time high at Rangers Today. No offense taken. That’s why we run this note in the Monday and Thursday newsletters each week. Here’s our latest content, dating to the weekend, in case you missed it.
Friday on the Farm: 20 worthy first-half efforts
The Sunday Read: Trade, trade, trade
Aroldis Chapman, future closer?
Doggy video!
The best example yet of making something out of nothing. Enjoy.
this dog could not be having more fun with a brick she found in the garden
(jukin media) pic.twitter.com/Ky1Bv2WOUl— theworldofdog (@theworldofdog) June 15, 2023
Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com
