Texas Rangers: 4 encouraging signs from the Rangers in 2nd half opener

Chapman does it again

The Rangers traded for Aroldis Chapman two weeks ago now. It has been interesting to see his process and the results from someone I have normally watched from afar. His stuff is definitely elite across the board. He seems overqualified for the eighth-inning role he pitched in for Kansas CIty and now in Texas. He has the stuff and mentality of a closer. Bochy to this point is staying loyal to Will Smith and not demoting him to an earlier role.

Chapman last night came in to a 8-4 game in the eighth. He entered after the five-run inning and pitched in a less stressful situation. He still did his job though. Chapman faced the bottom third of the order and retired them in order. He was throwing four pitches last night. He got Josh Bell to pop out on a splitter, he retired Will Brennan on an 89mph slider, and then struck out Myles Straw on a 101.8mph sinker. He was just filthy last night.

The Rangers still need probably one more bullpen arm at the deadline, but having Chapman there in the 8th inning will make it much easier to hand leads to Will Smith in the ninth. The one thing that I have been impressed with is his variety of pitches and how well he throws each of them. The innings he pitches are must watch.

What is the Rangers standing?

The Rangers with the win improve to 53-39 and remain two games ahead of Houston. Houston picked up a come-from-behind win against the Los Angeles Angels.

Andrew Heaney starts today for Texas going up against rookie Gavin Williams. The game today is 3:05pm and it will be broadcast by Bally Sports Southwest and Fox Sports 1.