The Rangers placed Sborz on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right rotator cuff strain. This marks the second time already this season that Sborz has had to spend time on the injured list due to a strained rotator cuff. His first IL stint lasted roughly two-and-a-half weeks, though it's possible the Rangers bring him back slower this time around to minimize the risk of re-injury. A corresponding move will be made ahead of Friday's game against the Rockies.
Heavy on Rangers
Texas Rangers news, rumors, and information.
Latest Rangers News Alerts
The Rangers placed Sborz on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right rotator cuff strain. This marks the second time already this season that Sborz has had to spend time on the injured list due to a strained rotator cuff. His first IL stint lasted roughly two-and-a-half weeks, though it's possible the Rangers bring him back slower this time around to minimize the risk of re-injury. A corresponding move will be made ahead of Friday's game against the Rockies.
Smith went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base in the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the A's. After going 0-for-1 as a pinch hitter in a 9-4 loss during the matinee, Smith got the start at shortstop in the nightcap and swiped his first bag of the year in a wild 12-11 victory. The 26-year-old infielder has been productive of late, slashing .297/.422/.541 over the last 12 games with a homer, five RBI and nine runs, but his 6:14 BB:K during that stretch -- not to mention his .373 BABIP on the season -- suggests regression is coming for his batting average. Until Josh Jung (wrist) is back in the lineup though, Smith should continue to see regular playing time.
Heim went 2-for-7 with a walk, two runs scored and four RBI across both games of Wednesday's doubleheader split with the A's. After going 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly as the DH in the matinee, Heim moved behind the plate for the nightcap and drove in three more runs. The 28-year-old catcher has four multi-hit performances in his last seven games, a surge that has boosted his slash line on the season to .300/.341/.425 with four homers, 18 runs and 26 RBI through 33 contests.
Yates gave up a run on two hits and a walk while striking out one in the ninth inning during the second game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the A's, recording his seventh save of the season in a 12-11 win. It didn't seem like the Rangers would need their closer when they took a 12-7 lead into the final frame, but after Owen White gave up three straight singles to load the bases without getting an out, Yates was pressed into duty. The right-hander wound up allowing all three inherited runners to score, plus one of his own, before finally escaping the jam. It was the first run Yates had given up all season, and he sports a 0.56 ERA, 0.69 WHIP and 17:6 K:BB through 16 innings without blowing a save.
Taveras went a combined 2-for-8 with a home run, two RBI and two additional runs scored in Wednesday's doubleheader against the Athletics. Taveras hit safely in both ends of the doubleheader, including a two-run homer in the matinee, to extend a hit streak to six games. He's hit safely in 11 of the last 12 contests, going 15-for-42 (.357) with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBI during that run. Taveras had a .200 batting average with just two RBI before the 12-game run, and he's now up to .254 and nine RBI after Wednesday's production.
Semien went a combined 6-for-10 with a home run and three additional runs scored in Wednesday's doubleheader against Oakland. Semien, who had identical 3-for-5 lines in each end of the doubleheader, homered for a second straight game in the matinee. It's been a productive two days for Semien, who had four hits and a homer Tuesday; the second baseman raised his average 38 points after going 10-for-15 over the last three games.
Sborz was removed from Wednesday's game against the Athletics with an apparent injury, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports. Sborz only threw eight pitches before having to leave Wednesday's game -- seven of which missed the strike zone. It's not immediately apparent what is bothering the 30-year-old right-hander, but the Rangers should offer more details following the game.
Seager is not in the lineup for Game 2 of Wednesday's doubleheader versus the Athletics. The 30-year-old went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout in the Game 1 loss, which ended a modest five-game hit streak. Josh Smith will shift to shortstop and Ezequiel Duran will start at third base while Seager receives some rest in the nightcap.
Unlock the latest Texas Rangers news — direct to your inbox.
More From Heavy on Rangers
-
Rangers Ace Jacob deGrom Offers Telling Update on Return
Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom is progressing in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, and is eyeing a return to the mound this summer.
-
Rangers’ Bruce Bochy Urges Reunion With Ace Starter Before Opening Day
-
White Sox Eyeing 3 Players From AL Contender in Dylan Cease Trade: Report
-
Rangers’ Dangerous Lineup Now Has Co-AL RoY Favorites
-
MLB Insider Predicts 2 Free Agents to Sign With Rangers
-
Free Agent J.D. Martinez Seen as ‘Potential Fit’ for AL West Team: Insider
Free-agent slugger J.D. Martinez remains on the open market. One MLB insider thinks the Texas Rangers could be a logical landing spot.
-
Red Sox Could Make ‘Late Push’ For Jordan Montgomery — If Rangers Don’t Strike