Rangers tried to break out of their slump with a bold Bruce Bochy move

To end the series against the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy made a strategic decision that caught the attention of fans and analysts alike: he fielded a lineup composed entirely of right-handed batters against left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez. While on the surface it appeared to be a straightforward tactical response to Valdez’s dominance against lefties this season, the decision also reflected Bochy’s growing willingness to adjust roster dynamics amid the team’s ongoing offensive struggles.

Bochy's decision was not without precedent. Earlier in the season, he had employed a similar strategy against the Oakland Athletics, starting an all-right-handed lineup to counter left-handed pitcher JP Sears. In that instance, Bochy expressed hope that the lineup would invigorate an offense that had been struggling to produce runs.

The Rangers lineup composition

The lineup featured Sam Haggerty (a switch-hitter batting right-handed), Wyatt Langford, Josh Jung, Adolis García, Marcus Semien, Jonah Heim (also a switch-hitter batting right-handed), Jake Burger, Kevin Pillar, and Ezequiel Duran.

Valdez, known for his effective sinker and curveball combination, has historically been more challenging for left-handed batters. Therefore, Bochy aimed to exploit any weakness to uplift a sputtering Ranger’s offense.

So how did it work out?

Despite the altered lineup, the Rangers fell short, losing 4-3 to the Astros. Valdez outclassed the Rangers’ hitting with a strong performance striking out eight batters over seven innings. Texas did manage to score three runs in the fourth inning but were unable to maintain the lead. Rookie pitcher Jack Leiter held the Astros hitless through six innings, but the bullpen couldn't preserve the advantage, leading to a late-game comeback by Houston.

Will the Rangers do it again?

It's important to note that Bochy's use of an all right-handed lineup is not indicative of a permanent shift but rather a response to specific matchups. Bochy has historically valued platoon advantages and lineup flexibility, often adjusting based on opposing pitchers and player performance. For instance, Josh Smith, was placed in center field for the first time in his major league career to keep his hot bat in the lineup.

With that said, it's unlikely that the Texas Rangers will consistently deploy an all right-handed lineup. Bochy's approach emphasizes sharp changes, even while a key left-handed bat in Corey Seagers’ is missing in-action. However, further experimentation as Texas seeks success at the plate, should be expected.