Can surprise starter Jacob Latz lift the slumping Rangers past the Nationals on June 8? See how Bruce Bochy's gamble plays out in the crucial series finale.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For a fleeting moment on Saturday, it felt like old times. Jacob deGrom was untouchable, the bats came alive for five runs, and the Texas Rangers snapped a miserable four-game losing streak. But the celebration was short-lived, as the reality of a 30-35 season and a struggling offense came roaring back. Now, in a crucial series finale against the Washington Nationals, manager Bruce Bochy is rolling the dice, handing the ball to reliever Jacob Latz for his first start of the season.
The team has been shut out eight times and held to one run on 12 occasions through their first 65 games.
In a late decision, manager Bruce Bochy has tabbed left-hander Jacob Latz to make his first start of 2025. Latz has been effective out of the bullpen, posting a 2.95 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 18.1 innings. The move signals a potential 'bullpen game' strategy as the Rangers look to piece together nine innings and steal a series win. He'll face Washington's Trevor Williams, who has struggled to a 6.03 ERA this season, presenting a prime opportunity for the Rangers' bats to build on yesterday's performance.
Saturday's 5-0 victory was a desperately needed breath of fresh air. Jacob deGrom was simply masterful, carving up the Nationals for seven shutout innings with eight strikeouts. Marcus Semien's three-run performance provided the offensive punch the team has been missing. But one good game can't erase a season's worth of offensive ineptitude. The Rangers' lineup has been one of the worst in baseball, a fact underscored by the shockingly low batting averages of key players.
Despite the heroics of deGrom and solid seasons from Patrick Corbin and Nathan Eovaldi, the Rangers find themselves in a 30-35 hole, sitting fourth in the AL West. This is a far cry from the preseason expectations for a club not far removed from a World Series title. The frustration for fans and the team alike is palpable; the starting pitching has largely held up its end of the bargain, but you can't win if you can't score. The disconnect between the mound and the plate is the defining story of this disappointing season so far.
Today's game is more than just a rubber match. It's a test of resilience and a search for an offensive identity. Can a surprise start from Jacob Latz and the momentum from yesterday's win be the catalyst this team desperately needs? Or will the bats fall silent once again, leaving the Rangers to ponder what might have been? First pitch is at 5:35 PM, and for a team sitting fourth in the division, every game feels like a must-win.
