Rangers Roundup: August 21st

The Rangers dropped the first of a four game series to the Detroit Tigers last night, maintaining their four game separation from the Astros in the AL west. The Rangers had won six of their previous seven prior to last night. Alfredo Simon pitched a gem, allowing just one hit. Roughed Odor got a double in the fifth, but the Rangers never got a runner past second base. Prince Fielder returned to Detroit for the first time since being traded to Texas, and the Detroit fans made no bones about their feelings toward him, booing him in every at bat.

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Colby Lewis takes the hill for the Rangers against Justin Verlander. Even though Verlander’s numbers for the year are less than stellar, his last few starts have been more reminiscent of the old Verlander. In his last five outings, he has allowed zero or one earned runs, save for his start against the Royals on August fourth when he allowed five runs, all earned. In that span, he fanned 10 batters against the Rays on July 29th (his only win of the season), and has gotten seven Ks in his last two starts. Maybe he still has some left in the tank.

Earlier today the Rangers sent outfielder Michael Choice to the Indians for cash considerations. Choice had only one major league at bat this season, but he was hitting .244 with 12 dingers and 60 RBIs in Round Rock this year. In 2014 he saw significant time as a fill in outfielder in light of the Rangers’ rash of injuries. He played in 86 games in 2014 with 46 hits in 253 at bats, including nine homers. Along with six doubles and a triple, 16 of 46 hits were for extra bases, more than one in three. Choice was a former first round pick of the Oakland A’s, but with the acquisition of Will Venable, the former UT-Arlington Maverick and Fort Worth native was expendable. Venable has been activated with Josh Hamilton going on the 15 Day DL, retroactive to August 16th.