The past few weeks the Rangers would have a seven game lead, then cut down to a two game lead. The Rangers have had some key injuries in that stretch, by losing Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz with hamstring injuries. Since Beltre has come off the DL to rejoin the Rangers his bat has been on fire. While Cruz has been out of the line-up and on the DL, David Murphy has stepped right in to play right field. Murphy has been a big part of the offensive production, as he was last year. Nelson Cruz was called back up this week, only as a pitch hitter. Rangers' manager Ron Washington said, Nelson Cruz is better, but not quite ready to play at full strength.
Questions have been asked, what are the Rangers planning to do with Murphy, when Cruz is ready to play at full strength? Since Murphy has been very productive at the plate, the best scenario would to keep Murphy into the line-up. David Murphy could move over to play left field, while Nelson Cruz plays in right field. If Ranger fans can remember, Murphy played a key roll in the incredible playoff run last year. Murphy has been a productive player for the Rangers, when he has been called on. The Rangers are fortunate to have deep positional players, who can step up when they are called on.
The Rangers seem to be back in the "swing" of things again, with the meat of the order about to be fully intact. Nelson Cruz could be in full strength within a few days or so. The Rangers are currently in a series with the Cleveland Indians and hoping to finish with a "sweep," before heading to the Great Northwest. The Rangers offense has been in full throttle throughout the series, by beating the Indians 10-4 and 9-1 in the first two games. Tonight the Rangers would like to have a 3 1/2 game lead, going into the weekend series with Seattle.
Remaining Schedules for Texas and Los Angeles Below:
Los Angeles Angels:
September 16-18 at Baltimore
September 19-22 at Toronto
September 23-25 vs Oakland
September 26-28 vs Texas
Texas Rangers:
September 15 vs Cleveland
September 16-18 at Seattle
September 19-22 at Oakland
September 23-25 vs Seattle
September 26-28 at Los Angeles
*The Rangers are also battling the Detroit Tigers for home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
