3 good things about the Texas Rangers so far in the ALDS, 2 we wish weren't true

Nathaniel Lowe's struggles continue

Nathaniel Lowe is still in a slump. This isn't something that just started in the ALDS, or even within the last week or two. Lowe has been struggling at the plate since the beginning of September. Over the last month of the season, he had 126 plate appearances, slashed .160/.294/.245, hit two home runs, and struck out 34 times.

Lowe has carried his slump over into the postseason, and most recently in the first two games of the ALDS. After hitting third in the order for most of the season, Bochy has recently moved the left-handed hitting first baseman to seventh in the lineup in hopes of getting him going. It has helped Lowe get some really good pitches to hit, the problem has been that he has not been hitting them.

He had just one hit in Baltimore and hasn't looked good with the bat. It should be mentioned that Lowe's mother has brain cancer and is undergoing treatment. Not that he would use that as an excuse for not hitting, but perhaps with the weight of his mother's health on his mind, he hasn't been him self lately. Prayers for Nathaniel's mother, Wendy. Perhaps Rangers GM Chris Young sums it up best in the quote below from Adam Berry's MLB.com piece.

"I lost my dad around this time here eight years ago, and I know how hard it is to play a game and constantly be thinking about a sick family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lowe family. For Josh and Nate, all I can say is that I sympathize and empathize with how hard this is for them. It's really hard. These are human beings, and to compartmentalize and go out and play a game -- we've worked your whole life to be on this stage, and meanwhile, you're suffering at home. It's really, really challenging, and so we’re completely empathetic to them. We’re offering all of our support to Nate and giving his family our best wishes."

Chris Young - Rangers GM

Obviously, we want Nathaniel to start hitting, but more importantly, we pray that his mother Wendy has a full and speedy recovery.

More News from Nolan Writin'

• Texas Rangers postseason success might come at a cost this offseason
• Texas Rangers' patience obliterates the Orioles' pitching staff in Game 2 of ALDS
• Mitch Garver delivered the goods for the Texas Rangers in Game 2 of the ALDS
• Texas Rangers need Marcus Semien to start hitting in the playoffs