The Texas Rangers have been a different team in the beginning portion of the month of June. In fact, they haven't been the same team since All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler went down. He appears to be the key to their offense and as the team has struggled, the Oakland Athletics have taken advantage and are now leading the A.L. West by a game.
It wasn't too long ago that the Rangers were cruising and in first place with the best record in baseball. However, Kinsler went down with a strained muscle in his right rib cage. The offense has suffered a bit, but more importantly, their record has been disastrous. As pointed out by Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports insider, through the first 42 games of the year, with Kinsler's presence, the Rangers were 27-15, scoring 4.62 runs per game. However, following Kinsler's injury, the Rangers are just 11-12 scoring 4.26 runs per game.
Though the difference of runs per game isn't drastic, the Rangers haven't been winning ball games. Jurickson Profar has done his best to fill in for Kinsler. They 20-year-old is hitting .292 with two home runs and seven RBI. This production doesn't match Kinsler's home run power. Kinsler had been hitting for power and average before going down to the 15-day disabled list. He had seven home runs with 20 RBI and a .302 batting average along with a .369 on-base percentage.
The Rangers will need him as quick as possible and the good news is that Kinsler has resumed baseball activities and will make a couple of rehab starts in the minors. The Rangers need to get back on their winning flow as the A's have heated up. They took down the New York Yankees in two straight games and will be going for the sweep Thursday night. The Rangers have won 4 of 10, while the A's have won 7 of 10.
Many have wondered if the Rangers will trade Profar. Though Profar is way younger and showing the capability of handling the bat at the major league level, Kinsler is certainly the more valuable guy in the present. On the other hand, Profar looks like he can carry the load in the future, which is why the Rangers are weary of letting go of such a talented youngster.
The Ranger will engage in a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays, who won 2 of 3 last week. The Blue Jays have a stack of talented hitters, but their pitching is mediocre. It will be a great opportunity for the Rangers as they look to regain the lead in the A.L. West.
