This Rangers rookie experiment is hurting a lineup that can’t spare any help

When the Texas Rangers called young outfielder Alejandro Osuna up from Double-A, it was a fun story during a season when almost nothing has been all that fun. However, a team that still desperately wants to get back into the playoff race and needs an offense to do it probably needs to pull the plug on this experiment for now.

Osuna got off to a solid start, especially for someone so young with zero Triple-A experience. After going hitless in his major league debut, he went 3-for-5 in his next two games. By drawing two walks and only striking out twice in his first three games, it looked like Osuna might be ready to explode in Arlington. 

Alejandro Osuna’s cold stretch shows Texas must demote the rookie to spark its fading offense

Since he looked ready to take off for the Texas Rangers, his last seven games went the other way. Osuna has just one hit in his previous 18 plate appearances, walking thrice and tallying four strikeouts.

On Sunday, Osuna’s struggles were front and center. The Rangers’ No. 7 prospect went 0-for-4 with 2 Ks. He also had some issues on defense, dropping a liner to left field that could have allowed the Washington Nationals to rally in the ninth inning.

The Nats didn’t get the rally, and Texas got the 4-2 win. That win allowed Bruce Bochy’s squad to take the weekend series. The team is now on a modest two-game winning streak. And that’s another reason why it might be time for Osuna to return to the minors.

It’s not just about his stats either. According to Baseball Savant, several metrics surrounding Osuna show a player who might be in over his head. While he does not have enough playing time to qualify, he currently sits at a -1 batting run value. 

Osuna’s power numbers are also all putrid. He’s got an average exit velocity of just 84.5 and only has a 25% hard hit percentage. He also has a 0 barrel percentage.

The Texas Rangers are currently 5.5 games behind the Houston Astros in the AL West. With a day off Monday, the team has plenty of time to make a move and send Alejandro Osuna back down and get ready for a week against the Minnesota Twins and Chicago Whitesox, which could allow Bochy’s squad to really make a move—as long as their roster is as good as it can be.