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A Series of Moves Signal How Rangers Season May Go Forward

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The Texas Rangers made a series of roster moves before their game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

May 21, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Jon Gray (22) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

How the Rangers’ Recent Roster Moves Affect Their Outlook for Stretch Run

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Jon Gray

Gray is dealing with thoracic outlet syndrome. He was placed on waivers earlier in the week and went unclaimed. If anyone claimed him, they would have had to take on the remaining $3 million on the last year of his contract. This is the second injury that he has dealt with this year, as his forearm was fractured when a comebacker hit him.

Gray has been used out of the bullpen this year with poor results. He has a 1-1 record with a 6.17 ERA in 14 innings of work. He has allowed 12 runs in that time with 12 strikeouts compared to six walks. His fastball seems to have lost some life as he returned from the injury.

This shows that something may not have been right with Gray when he returned. The Rangers also won’t wait around for him, as they are making a push for the playoffs and need healthy arms.

Caleb Boushley

This is the corresponding move to replace Gray on the roster. Boushley has spent some time with the big league team and has mostly been used in mop-up duty. He has a 5.05 ERA in 35 2/3 innings in 19 games. He has allowed 20 runs in this time with 10 walks and 33 strikeouts. Don’t expect him to pitch many important innings, but he will help eat innings.

Sam Haggerty

Haggerty was placed on the 10-day injured list with left ankle inflammation. This is a big blow for the Rangers, as he was the platoon bat against lefties for them. He would usually platoon with Evan Carter or Josh Smith and play one of the corner outfield spots. He has been a great pickup for them as he has played his way into the lineup from spring training.

His slash line this year is .253/.370/.698 with two home runs and 13 RBI, along with 12 stolen bases. He has 16 walks versus 37 strikeouts. The Rangers will need to get better results from their other players while he is on the injured list.

Cody Freeman

Freeman is getting called up to replace Haggerty, and this will be his second time up with the Rangers. He was tearing up Triple-A, so the Rangers didn’t have much of a choice. In 13 games, he logged 20 hits with seven extra base hits and a slash line of .408/.444/.673. Those numbers are otherworldly and deserve a spot on the big league team.

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Freeman is super versatile as he can play the corner outfield spots as well as the entire infield, even serving as an emergency catcher. He will be the guy who will face lefties in the place of Haggerty. In Sunday’s 10-4 win over the Blue Jays, he started at third base and hit eighth, going 1-for-5 with a double and a run scored. It will be worth keeping an eye on him to see if his torrid pace at Triple-A can carry over to the Rangers.

Josh Sborz

The final Rangers roster move was Sborz going to Triple-A to continue his rehab from a shoulder injury, which required surgery in November. Sborz lost most of last year as he dealt with injuries then, too. He made an appearance on Sunday and was charged with the loss. His final line was two runs in 2/3 of an inning on two hits with one walk and a strikeout.

He is best known for being a hero during the 2023 World Series championship. He was great in the postseason and recorded the last out of the series. If he can get back to his old form, he will be a weapon for the Rangers and could be a spark to help the team push for the postseason.

The Last Word

These moves will help reload the Rangers with Boushley taking on Gray’s innings, while Freeman has made a strong case to be on the team. Haggerty’s injury opens up an opportunity for Freeman to prove that he belongs on the team. Sborz is continuing his way back from his injury and could be the reinforcement for the bullpen. He might even slot into the closer role as the team has struggled to find a consistent one.

This team is doing what they can to keep their postseason hopes alive and see what they have on the farm.

 

Main Photo Credit: Tom Pennington/Getty Images

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