Texas Rangers Week in Review: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Well, it was an interesting week for the Texas Rangers. Just one week ago, General Manager Jon Daniels was threatening major changes if something did not change. The Rangers poor performance to start the season was entirely unacceptable, and if it continued, moves would be made. What, exactly, those moves would be was a matter of conjecture, but the Rangers were officially on notice. How would they respond?

As it turned out, the Rangers responded better than even Daniels would likely have expected. They swept the, at the time, white hot Houston Astros before splitting their series against the Tampa Bay Rays. A 5-2 week is certainly impressive at any point in time, but given how poorly April went, it was exactly what the Rangers needed.

Even though the Rangers are still 13-18, they have climbed out of the cellar in the American League West. In fact, they find themselves only a game behind the Los Angeles Angels for second in the division. With Josh Hamilton and Mitch Moreland set to return to the lineup soon, the Rangers may be able to go on a bit of a run.

So, which players were a crucial part of the Texas Rangers success last week? Which players struggled, as the Rangers were able to overcome their issues and win anyway? Let us take a look back at the week that was in Arlington, as we see which players were hot, and which were not.

Let us begin with those who struggled last week.

Next: A Stolmy performance

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

3. Stomly Pimentel

Stolmy Pimentel is the type of pitcher who will continue to intrigue major league front offices. Even though his fastball sits in the mid 90’s, he has still struck out over a batter per inning in the majors. His ground ball tendencies and devastating sinker make Pimentel seem like the perfect setup man, or even future closer.

This week, however, Pimentel struggled. In his two appearances, Pimentel allowed three runs on four hits in his 2.1 innings worked. Opponents had a .400 batting average against him, as Pimentel was unable to get those round balls to find gloves.

The week was not all bad for Pimentel, however. He did continue to generate swings and misses, striking out two during that time. However, the fact that Pimentel had a .500 batting average against on balls in play has to be alarming for the Texas Rangers. While he has been solid overall this year, Pimentel did post a 5.23 ERA and a 1.531 WHiP for the Pirates last year. Is the Stolmy Pimentel of the past week the real reliever, or did he turn a corner and just have a bad week?

That is the question the Texas Rangers will be asking themselves. While the bullpen has generally been solid, the Rangers cannot afford for the Bad Pimentel to rear his head.

Next: Not what we have come to expect

2. Nick Martinez

During the month of April, Nick Martinez was one of the best stories in baseball. A relatively unheralded 18th round selection in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft, Martinez struggled last season, posting a 5-12 record with a 4.55 ERA and a 1.461 WHiP. This season, he came out of the gates looking like the second coming of Tim Keefe, posting a 0.35 ERA and a 1.115 WHiP in the month of April.

Since the calender flipped to May, Martinez has struggled. This week was no exception, as Martinez had his second difficult outing, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk in 4.2 innings of work on Thursday night against the Rays. On the plus side, the Texas Rangers did win both of his outings this month, but Martinez has looked rather shaky both times out.

Of course, as a not quite 25 year old pitcher in the majors, Nick Martinez is going to have his struggles at times. Add in the fact that Martinez is essentially a ground ball pitcher who is not going to strike out many batters, and his ceiling may be rather limited. In fact, Martinez may well turn out to be another Jeremy Hellickson type pitcher.

Nick Martinez is not as great as he was for the Texas Rangers in the month of April, and he is not as bad as his previous outing would indicate. He has the makings of being a solid middle of the rotation starter, and that may be all he needs to be when the rotation is healthy. However, the Rangers need more from Martinez this year than they have gotten in May.

Next: An Odoriferous performance

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

1. Rougned Odor

Rougned Odor is the type of young player that scouts and front offices love. Possessing a bit of power and speed, Odor was considered one of the top prospects in baseball prior to last season. He had a solid rookie campaign, flashing a bit more power than expected even though he was only successful on four of eleven stolen base attempts. There was no reason not to think that his production would take the next step this year, and that Odor would potentially be a player capable of double digit home runs and steals.

Instead, Odor has struggled mightily this season, ranking ahead of only Chase Utley in OPS at second base. In fact, his .486 OPS is the fourth worst in all of baseball among players to qualify for the batting title. This past week did nothing to improve his standing, as Odor was 1-13 with nine strikeouts and was caught stealing.

Naturally, given his performance this season, Rougned Odor has continued to come up as a possibility to be sent down to the minors. It seems as though he has lost his starting role to Adam Rosales, who did not exactly run with his chance, posting a .143/.200/.357 batting line last week. If Ed Lucas or someone else is called up to take over at second, Odor may be sent out.

The talent is certainly there for Odor. Hopefully, if he is sent down to Round Rock, he can get back to being that player was considered one of the top prospects for the Texas Rangers.

And now, a look at who has been hot in the past week.

Next: He's hit all year

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

3. Prince Fielder

One of the two players that have consistently produced in the Texas Rangers lineup this season, Prince Fielder has continued to be the rock for the Rangers offense. He has been the one player who has performed up to his track record, being the player that the Rangers thought they had.

This past week was more of the same for Fielder. He led the Rangers in batting average, posting a .321/.387/.393 batting line with two doubles and three RBI. As the Rangers appear to be turning their season around, having Fielder continue to quietly be the excellent batter that they traded for has been of the utmost importance.

The only possible concern that the Texas Rangers could have with Prince Fielder is his lack of power. Adding in his injury plagued 2014 season, Fielder has hit only five home runs and 16 doubles in last 309 plate appearances. The Rangers have to hope that the power will come back, otherwise they have a 275 pound singles hitter that they owe another $90 Million over the next five seasons.

Fielder had been the one positive in the lineup for the Rangers for much of the 2015 season. Seeing that he may be getting company in terms of production is certainly a great sign.

Next: Maybe he just needed a chance

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

2. Carlos Peguero

Carlos Peguero was seemingly destined to the life of a AAAA player. He was an excellent power hitter in the minors, but had been unable to produce in the majors, posting a career .196/.245/.379 batting line with nine home runs in 229 plate appearances. Peguero just was not able to produce.

However, this past week, Peguero has on fire. Given the chance to play every day, Peguero has produced a .333/.400/.905 batting line with a team leading four home runs. In fact, the four home runs that Peguero hit this week are enough to lead the Texas Rangers for the year thus far.

Perhaps it was just a matter of Peguero getting more consistent playing time. He only had one season in the major leagues where he had more than 57 plate appearances, back in 2011 when Peguero posted a .196/.252/.371 batting line with six home runs. Now, Peguero is looking like a piece that the Rangers needed in their lineup.

Carlos Peguero is getting his chance, and he has given the Texas Rangers more than they could have expected over this past week. Hopefully, he can continue to swing that hot bat.

Next: Did the Rangers find an ace?