Thursday newsletter time: Trip ends with loss, but Rangers are road warriors in 2023

Jeff Wilson June 1, 2023

(AP photo/Carlos Osorio)

The Rangers finished their May schedule Tuesday with a 3-2 loss at Detroit.

It was a frustrating day offensively that left the pitching staff with little margin for error. Dane Dunning and three relievers allowed only three runs, and the Rangers are going to win more often than not when their opponent musters only three runs.

The series finale at Comerica Park just happened to be one of the exceptions.

It was an odd May schedule for the Rangers, who played 19 road games. It was an exceptional May for the Rangers because they managed to go 18-9 overall and 13-6 on the road.

They won series at Anaheim, Seattle and Baltimore, three teams thought to be contenders before the season started. The Rangers solidifed their status as contenders, and more road wins will help them achieve that.

The road successes are a 180 from the past several seasons. The Rangers were 101 games below .500 the past six seasons, all sub.-500 campaigns. The went a combined 30-81 in the terrible 2020 and 2021 seasons, and went 33-48 in both 2018 and 2019 to kill any chances at contending for a wild-card spot.

The 27-game June schedule includes 18 home games and begins Friday with a six-game homestand against Seattle and St. Louis, two disappointing clubs. Six of the nine road games are against Tampa Bay and New York.

This should be an interesting month in which the Rangers have a chance to pad their lead in the American League West while also getting a feel for how well they stack up against some top clubs.

All-Star voting is open

The Rangers have several candidates for the All-Star Game next month, but the only way to ensure that the club is well-represented is by voting players in as starters.

Voting opened Wednesday, and it’s online only. The Rangers have the following players on the AL ballot:

Catcher, Jonah Heim; first base, Nate Lowe; second base, Marcus Semien; third base, Josh Jung; shortstop, Corey Seager; outfield, Ezequiel Duran, Adolis Garcia and LeodyTaveras; designated hitter, Robby Grossman.

Pitchers and reserves are selected by the player voting and the commissioner’s office.

The Rangers are attempting to entice fans to cast votes for Rangers players by offering a ticket promotion. Any fan who submits at least one ballot will get an email with a coupon code for 25 percent off outfield pavilion, upper box or upper reserved seats for two series: June 26-29 series against Detroit or July 17-19 series Tampa Bay. The offer is limited to eight tickets.

Cast votes at rangers.com/vote with a valid email address through June 29. Fans will receive the ticket code via email the next day.

ICYMI …

After a 6-3 three-city road trip, the Rangers deserve a day off. They get one today. An off day has frequently been an opportunity for club brass to look over the team and see if there are an internal improves to make. One roster move is likely coming Friday as catcher Mitch Garver could come off the injured list, probably at the expense of Sandy Leon. He should have suitors lining up. A day off is also a chance to play catch-up, so here’s some of our latest content in case you missed it.

Grant Anderson’s amazing debut

The Sunday Read: All-Star candidates

Friday on the Farm: Owen White not all that happy

Speaking of White, it’s podcast time