The Texas Rangers have named Luis Ortiz as the new hitting coach. Ortiz is coming from the Dodgers organization, just like the new manager Chris Woodward, so they should work together well. Ortiz, who is 48, was the Dodgers’ assistant hitting coach. He also previously was in the Rangers organization in various hitting instruction roles from 2008 to 2012. The Rangers hit well during those years, if I remember right. Ortiz will be a change of pace from Anthony Iapoce, who took a job with the Cubs.
Luis Ortiz has his work cut out for him. The Rangers were not a good hitting club at all the past two seasons. Texas was second to last in 2018 with a batting average of .240, the struck out 1484 times, also second worst. They did not walk enough, and several of the players looked lost at the plate for most of the season. The Rangers are a young club, and with that he will have a lot to work with. I expect him to be able to help get this team back on track for the 2019 season. A fresh voice sometimes makes all the difference.
Since Rudy Jarimillo, the Rangers really have not had a good hitting coach in my opinion. They have struggled to be consistent. Hopefully that will change with the addition of Luis Ortiz.
