Rangers beat Nationals 4-2 on June 8, but the story is the contrast. Marcus Semien is on fire while Corey Seager's historic slump continues. Can they fix it?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
A win is a win, and Sunday's 4-2 victory over the Nationals was a much-needed boost. But as the Rangers enjoy a day off before heading to Minnesota, a stark contrast is defining this team. While Marcus Semien is playing like a man possessed, superstar shortstop Corey Seager is lost in one of the deepest slumps of his career, leaving fans to wonder which version of the Rangers' offense will show up against the Twins.
Corey Seager is currently hitless in his last 25 at-bats, a staggering slump for the former World Series MVP.
If you're looking for the team's offensive MVP right now, look no further than Marcus Semien. The second baseman is on an absolute tear, going 15-for-27 (.517) over his last nine games with three homers and nine RBIs. He was instrumental again on Sunday, sparking a rally with a bad-hop single that set up Evan Carter's homer and later driving in the go-ahead run. It's no coincidence that under new hitting coach Bret Boone, the offense has found a rhythm, with the team now 12-1 when they plate four or more runs.
While Semien thrives, the elephant in the room is Corey Seager's bat. The shortstop's hitless streak has now reached a concerning 25 at-bats. For a team sitting at 30-35 and in 4th place in the AL West, getting their best hitter back on track is paramount. Every out he makes looms larger, and his silence at the plate is a major reason the offense still feels one piece short of being truly dangerous.
Sunday's win wasn't just about Semien. Evan Carter and Jake Burger both came a triple shy of the cycle, providing the kind of deep-lineup production the team needs. However, the victory was soured by a potential injury to pitcher Jacob Latz. After a brilliant start where he fanned eight batters in just 3.1 innings, Latz was pulled after a visit from Bruce Bochy and the trainer. The team has yet to provide an update, creating a new cloud of uncertainty over the pitching staff.
One of the most encouraging developments has been the emergence of Robert Garcia in high-leverage spots. He earned a tough four-out save on Sunday, entering with two outs and a runner on in the eighth to extinguish the threat before a clean ninth. His fourth save of the season proves he's becoming a go-to, reliable arm Bochy can trust, which is invaluable for a team that plays so many close games.
The Rangers now have a day to reset before kicking off a three-game set against the Twins. Tyler Mahle (5-3, 2.02 ERA) will take the mound in what feels like a pivotal series. The formula for success is there—strong starting pitching, timely hitting, and a lockdown bullpen. But the biggest question remains the one at the heart of the lineup: Can Minnesota be the place where Corey Seager finally breaks free?
