Texas Rangers July 4 Week in Review: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Jul 2, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani  Gallardo (49) pitches during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Yovani Gallardo

There is no doubt who should be in the top spot this week. Gallardo has been as on fire as any pitcher can be and continued that dominance this week. Gallardo extended his scoreless inning streak to 29.1 innings. On the season, Gallardo has a 7-6 record with a 2.56 ERA in 102 innings.

Gallardo made two starts this week, giving up just 5 hits and holding batters to a .109 average over 14.1 innings. These two starts came against the tough Toronto Blue Jays lineup and a powerful Baltimore Orioles lineup. These two teams had the number 2 and 3 best OPS in the month of June across the major leagues. Gallardo held the Blue Jays to just 3 hits over 8.1 innings and picked up the win. Gallardo continued his June dominance with his first game in July on Thursday in his two hit, six-inning shutout over the Orioles.

Gallardo was in contention for the American League Pitcher of the Month but lost the battle to starter Chris Sale. Sale had a 1.83 ERA and 75 strikeouts in just 44.1 innings. It would be tough for any pitcher to top that kind of dominance but an argument can be made for Gallardo’s 0.54 ERA in 33.1 innings. Gallardo is a major candidate to make the MLB All-Start team after the type of success he has had recently.

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