The Rangers fall to the Angels 6-3 on July 7, 2025, as offensive woes overshadow Jacob deGrom's All-Star selection. Can Texas turn their hitting around?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic 'good news, bad news' day for the Texas Rangers. While the organization celebrated Jacob deGrom's triumphant return to the All-Star Game, the on-field product told a different story, as the team dropped a frustrating 6-3 contest to the Angels, falling below .500 and into third place in the AL West.
We had some chances, but just couldn't get the big hit when we needed it.
The brightest spot on a gloomy Monday was the official announcement that Jacob deGrom is an All-Star for the fifth time. His first half has been nothing short of spectacular, a dominant return to form after injury. With a 9-2 record, a sparkling 2.13 ERA, and 100 strikeouts in 101.1 innings, deGrom has been the anchor of the rotation. 'When he's healthy, he's one of the best in the world,' manager Bruce Bochy rightfully stated. It's a well-deserved honor that reminds fans what elite talent looks like.
Unfortunately, deGrom's brilliance couldn't translate to a win in Anaheim. The Rangers' offense once again struggled to string together key hits. While Wyatt Langford continued his solid play with two hits and an RBI, and Marcus Semien launched a solo homer, the team couldn't overcome a tough night for Nathan Eovaldi. Eovaldi battled for 5.2 innings but was tagged for five runs, with a three-run sixth inning, capped by a Mike Trout single, proving to be the backbreaker. The loss dropped the club to a disappointing 44-45 on the season.
The front office is clearly aware of the offensive issues. In a move aimed at bolstering lineup depth, the Rangers signed veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal. Tellez, who hit 13 homers for Milwaukee last season, will report to Triple-A Round Rock. While not a blockbuster move, it's a low-risk attempt to add a potential power bat. 'We're looking for ways to add depth and experience to our lineup,' said GM Chris Young. Fans will be watching Tellez's performance in Round Rock closely, hoping he can provide a spark if called upon.
While the team addresses immediate needs, the long-term vision remains in focus. With the MLB Draft just a week away, reports indicate the Rangers are heavily targeting pitching. Scouting director Kip Fagg emphasized the strategy: 'We want to continue building a pipeline of arms to support our big league club.' This focus on stockpiling high-upside college and prep pitchers is a sound strategy to ensure sustained success and support aces like deGrom for years to come.
Monday served as a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Rangers: a team with a bona fide superstar in Jacob deGrom but one that is still searching for the consistency needed to make a serious playoff push. The loss stings, but the signing of Rowdy Tellez and the clear draft strategy show the front office is actively working on solutions. As the team looks to rebound against the Angels, every game feels critical in preventing this mid-season slide from defining their season.
