DETROIT — Give Rangers manager Chris Woodward points for honesty. He’s not about to try to attempt to find anything positive about Rangers’ pitchers fielding....
Texas Rangers second baseman Ezequiel Duran fields a grounder by Houston Astros designated hitter Michael Brantley to him during the fourth inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, June 15, 2022.DETROIT — Give Rangers manager Chris Woodward points for honesty. He’s not about to try to attempt to find anything positive aboutAccording to Sports Info Solutions, the Rangers’ staff ranks last in the majors in Defensive Runs Saved from their position at minus-10.
“We’re just not that good at fielding balls,” Woodward said. “We don’t draft or sign guys for their ability to field the ball. So, it is what it is. I’m not going to ask for a guy because he’s really good at fielding his position but he’s got a 9.00 ERA. It’s not a lack of talent; it’s more of the position they are in when they release the baseball.”
In particular, Woodward mentioned lefties Taylor Hearn and Brett Martin, whose strides and deliveries lead to them being in an awkward position with their backs almost facing hitters when they fall off the mound. The Rangers pitchers aren’t great at fielding the ball, but they get to so few that they haven’t made any fielding errors this season. They have, however, made five throwing errors. That is tied for fifth most in the majors.
Woodward said he’s asked his pitchers simply not try to make plays or deflect balls. It simply leads to redirecting baseballs that would have otherwise found infielders’ gloves.: OF Steele Walker of Prosper, who had been on the COVID IL since Saturday, was activated and optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. Walker was 1 for 16 with the Rangers with the lone hit being a homer. … RF Adolis García threw out Eric Haase trying to score from second to end the third inning Thursday.