Texas Rangers Roundup

HOUSTON, Tex. — The Texas Rangers play game two of a 4-game series against the Houston Astros tonight, after dropping last night’s game 4-2. The Texas Rangers are 2-2 on this 10-game roadtrip, Seattle Mariners (2-1), Houston Astros (0-1), and will end the trip at Kansas City Royals (3). Here is your Texas Rangers Roundup.

TEXAS RANGERS: (52-81, .391)

• Texas’ win total is T4th-fewest ever through 133 games:46-87 in 1973; 49-84 in 1985; 50-83 in 1972; and 52-81 in 1982
• The Rangers are 2-1-1 in last 4 away series and has won 3 of 5, 4 of 7, and 6 of last 11 road games
• Beginning 5/30 Texas is 13-31 away from home
• This is the Texas Rangers’ FIRST losing season on the road since 2010 (39-42)
• The Texas Rangers are 4-9 against the Houston Astros this season, but holds a 63-41 all-time advantage in the Lone Star Series and has won the Silver Boot the last 7 years, beginning in 2007

MARTIN:

• Leonys Martin is 5-for-9 in last 2 games since returning to the leadoff spot and is batting .444 (24-54) in last 15 games beginning 8/12 to raise his average from .249 to .274
• Martin has the 2nd-highest average in the majors in that span, behind only Boston Red Sox David Ortiz (.488, 20-41)
• Leonys Martin has reached safely in last 14 starts

YO ADRIAN:

• Adrian Beltre is batting .422 (19-45) in last 12 games to raise his season average from .314 to .3252
• Betlre’s season average is 3rd-best in the American League behind Jose Altuve (.332) and Victor Martinez (.327)

PITCHING COUNTS:

• Texas has posted a 2.80 ERA (14 ER/45.0 IP) over last 5 games
• The bullpen had posted 10.2 consecutive scoreless innings before Jason Castro hit a grand slam off of Roman Mendez in last night’s game
• Texas’ relievers have a 1.13 ERA (6 ER/47.2 IP) in past 14 games to drop season ERA from 4.40 to 4.03

THIS AND THAT:

• Texas announced today a 4-year extension of their Player Development agreement with Low-A Hickory of the South Atlantic League, through 2018
• RHP Phil Irwin has been placed on unconditional release waivers today

INJURY REPORT:

• Shin-Soo Choo underwent arthroscopic surgery this morning to remove a small bone spur from his left elbow and is expected to begin rehab in the next few days
• Jake Smolinski had the boot removed from his left foot yesterday and has been cleared to begin baseball activities, although he will not run for about another week
• Jim Adduci has been placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list today after he hit his head on the warning track and side wall while trying to make a catch yesterday
• Ryan Rua from Round Rock (AAA) has been called up to replace Adduci and is in tonight’s lineup

TONIGHT’S LINEUP:

TEXAS RANGERS: RHP Scott Baker (2-3, 5.45)

1. Daniel Robertson CF
2. Elvis Andrus DH
3. Alex Rios RF
4. Adrian Beltre 3B
5. Ryan Rua 1B
6. Adam Rosales SS
7. Tomas Telis C
8. Rougned Odor 2B
9. Michael Choice LF

HOUSTON ASTROS: LHP Brett Oberholtzer (4-9, 4.01)

1. Marwin Gonzalez SS
2. Jose Altuve 2B
3. Chris Carter DH
4. Dexter Fowler CF
5. Jason Castro C
6. Marc Krauss LF
7. Jon Singleton 1B
8. Jake Marisnick RF
9. Gregorio Petit 3B