When the biggest gripe you have as a Texas Rangers fan through the first two games of the 2023 campaign is Jacob deGrom, things are either going very well or very poorly – with no in-between.
While it is extremely early – and I cannot stress that enough – to believe this will be the status quo for the remainder of the season, there has been plenty of good from the boys of Arlington against the Philadelphia Phillies thus far, especially offensively.
The Rangers bombed the defending National League champions Thursday and Saturday, lighting up the scoreboard to the tune of 27 runs in the two contests.
DeGrom was exciting for sure, albeit underwhelming, on Thursday as he failed to get through four innings while surrendering five runs. But, heading into the bottom of the fourth inning without a hit, Texas exploded with nine runs in the frame to pick up its ace.
The offense hasn’t let up since.
Marcus Semien led off the bottom of the first with an opposite-field homer Saturday afternoon at Globe Life Field, and it was off to the races for a 16-3 triumph. Mitch Garver highlighted the barrage with not one, but two three-run home runs, and newcomer Robbie Grossman drove in two runs of his own after plating three baserunners Thursday.
These two offensive outputs occurred against two very good pitchers in Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. Nola, the ace of the Philadelphia staff, has a career ERA and WHIP of 3.63 and 1.12, respectively. Wheeler brings a 3.42 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP to the mound, as well.
This pair of performances didn’t come against some slouches. They happened against two bona-fide studs on the hill, which will obviously bring some enthusiasm to both the Rangers front office and fan base.
DeGrom and fellow offseason signee Nathan Eovaldi were two huge spotlights heading into the year. The latter went five innings Saturday with six strikeouts while giving up three runs on six hits and two walks.
While his outing was admirable, expectations are obviously higher for the 33-year-old Eovaldi. If we are going to say it’s too early to call the Texas offense a juggernaut, we better be saying it’s too early to place judgment on its two veteran fireballers headlining the pitching rotation.
DeGrom and Eovaldi were the biggest talking points heading in, but the mashers in the lineup have swiped the show to begin the season.
Winn struggles, Express fall 9-4 in opener
Rangers Triple-A affiliate Round Rock began its 2023 slate Friday in a disappointing 9-4 loss against Albuquerque at Dell Diamond.
The Express boast five of Texas’ top-ranked prospects. One of those players, right-handed pitcher Cole Winn – ranked No. 14 in the organization by MLB Pipeline – had an up-and-down night.
Winn threw 80 pitches – only 45 for strikes – through 3 2/3 innings while allowing three runs on three hits and three walks, although he did strike out six Isotopes.
Things didn’t fare much better for left-hander John King, who surrendered three runs on five hits in only 2/3 innings of work in relief of Winn.
