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ALCS: 3 Texas Rangers players who need to pick it up

The Texas Rangers lead the American League Championship with a 2-0 record. However, the team is far from perfect. Which three players need to take that next step?

By Lorenzo Almanza |
Championship Series - Texas Rangers v Houston Astros - Game Two
Championship Series - Texas Rangers v Houston Astros - Game Two / Rob Carr/GettyImages
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The Texas Rangers have started the postseason 7-0 for the first time in franchise history. Some highlights have included outscoring the Tampa Bay Rays 11-1 in the wild-card round and sweeping the high-scoring Baltimore Orioles.

Now, Texas is 2-0 against the reigning champion Houston Astros. A big part of the team's success in this series is starting pitching. In game 1, Jordan Montgomery went six innings, throwing six strikeouts and allowing five hits. He has posted a 2.08 ERA in three postseason starts.

The team had another similar performance in game 2. Nathan Eovaldi allowed five hits in six innings. The Rangers' ace also had nine strikeouts. He helped the team escape a bases-loaded situation in the fifth inning. Eovaldi struck out Yainer Diaz and Jose Altuve while forcing Alex Bregman to ground out.

Texas' starting pitching has been the X-factor this postseason. The pitching staff as a whole has one playoff game where they allowed five runs or more.

Another factor has been rookie Evan Carter. He has a .350 batting average this postseason. In 20 at-bat attempts, he has recorded seven hits, four runs, four doubles, and three RBIs. His double in game 1 helped the team take an early lead.

His defense was also a factor, as Carter caught a stellar off-the-wall ball that robbed Bregman from scoring for Houston.

If Texas hopes to close out the series, they are going to need help from other players on the team. Possibly some experience veterans.

Here are three Texas Rangers' player that to step up these couple of games.

Player 3: Corey Seager

The Texas Rangers' all-star has had a great season this year. He posted the second best American League batting average at .327. Corey Seager also finished the year with 33 home runs and 96 RBIs.

He posted four runs and one homer and recorded nine walks against Baltimore in the division series. His five walks in game 2 was a playoff record for a single game.

Seager's offense also played a pivotal role against the Tampa Bay Rays. He recorded five hits, three doubles, and two RBIs in two games. The Rangers' shortstop has been one of the most reliable players.

However, the four-time all-star has yet to showcase the same numbers in the Astros series.

In game 1, he recorded one hit in four bat attempts. Seager also struck out twice. His numbers improved in game 2. However, his play has yet to match past postseason performances. On Monday night, Seager struck out twice again and recorded one run.

The problem is that he can be inconsistent at times. In Baltimore, he got on base most of the time because of the amount of walks he got.

Yet, in the Astros' series he is making less contact and swinging and missing when he does try to get a hit. If Seager can produce more hits and get runs late in games, it will improve Texas' offense.

Player 2: Nathaniel Lowe

Another player who has struggled against Houston is Nathaniel Lowe. Defensively, he has done a great job at first base. Lowe is always willing to put his body in position to ensure the ball doesn't get past him. He also knows where to be at all times. Lowe's defense was a big emphasis this past season.

However, his offense has taken a hit this postseason. In 30 bat attempts, he has recorded 12 strikeouts, along with five hits and three RBIs. Lowe has had three games this postseason where he failed to record a hit.

Nothing is negative though. Lowe put the final touches against the Baltimore Orioles last week when he hit a 437 feet homer to right center.

Yesterday, Lowe hit a single down left field that helped increase Texas's lead to 4-0. He has proven to be helpful in various situations.

However, the problem is his ability to remain effective. After he had his RBI yesterday, he went on to strike out in the third inning. He also recorded two flyouts, one in the fifth inning and eight.

Like Seager, Lowe will need to remain consistent. Imagine how effective the Rangers could will be if their bottom of the lineup hit well.

Player 3: Aroldis Chapman

Aroldis Chapman was one player expected to make a difference this postseason. The 35-year-old is no stranger to playoff baseball. He pitched in the 2016 World Series that helped the Chicago Cubs win their first title since 1945.

Chapman had his best season in 2019 when he recorded 37 saves, and won AL Reliever of the year award. He was also named to the All-MLB Second-Team.

He was a prominent reliever alongside Will Smith when he was first traded to Texas. Chapman did well in his first month with the team; he recorded his first save and win in back-to-back appearances.

However, this postseason his numbers have failed to match his past success.

Chapman recorded four walks and allowed one hit in 1.2 innings against the Baltimore Orioles. Walking batters has been an issue for him. In game 3, against Baltimore, he came in the eighth inning and walked back-to-back batters to load the bases up. He was taken out of the game after that.

While he did not load the bases against Houston Monday, he did allow Yordan Alvarez to hit a home run that shortened Texas's lead to one.

Chapman has been shaky for Texas. He either loads the bases or struggles to take command of his pitches. The Rangers will need the old Chapman to come back.

Texas should be blessed they are up 2-0. However, the job is not finished. The team will need to continue playing at a high level if they hope to move on to the World Series.

Can the players above find consistency and help evelate the Rangers to the next level?

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