Adolis García's homer wasn't enough as the Rangers fell to the Orioles 5-2 on June 23, 2025. Despite Wyatt Langford's return, Texas's struggles continue.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic 'one step forward, two steps back' kind of day for the Texas Rangers. While the sight of Wyatt Langford back in the lineup and another towering home run from Adolis García provided sparks of hope, the end result was a familiar feeling of frustration. The Rangers dropped the series opener to the Baltimore Orioles 5-2, falling to 38-40 on the season and losing another key player to the injured list in the process.
We need to execute better in all phases. The effort is there, but we have to clean up the little things if we want to get back on track.
The Rangers' bats just couldn't get going against the Orioles on Monday night. Outside of one big swing, the offense was largely dormant, mustering just six hits. Starter Taylor Rogers battled through 5.1 innings but was tagged with the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) in a performance that left little room for error. The Orioles methodically built their lead, and the Rangers simply didn't have an answer. A spectacular diving catch by Evan Carter in left field provided a defensive highlight, but it wasn't enough to shift the momentum in a game where Texas needed more from its offense.
The two biggest bright spots came from the heart of the order. Adolis García provided all of the team's offense with a single swing, launching a two-run homer in the sixth inning that briefly cut the deficit. The blast was not only a highlight-reel shot but also marked his 40th RBI of the season, putting him on pace for another stellar campaign. Equally encouraging was the return of Wyatt Langford. After missing two games with back spasms, the rookie outfielder looked sharp, going 1-for-4 and immediately adding a dynamic element with a stolen base. Getting his bat back in the lineup is crucial for a team searching for offensive consistency.
The pre-game news delivered a significant blow, as first baseman Jake Burger was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique. Burger's power bat has been a key component of the lineup, and his absence will be felt. To fill the roster spot, the Rangers recalled infielder Justin Foscue from Triple-A Round Rock. Foscue, who got his first taste of the big leagues earlier this season, entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the eighth but struck out. The team will need others to step up to fill the power void left by Burger's injury.
While the big-league club struggled, top pitching prospect Owen White delivered a message from Round Rock. The right-hander was absolutely masterful, tossing seven shutout innings while striking out nine and walking only one. White lowered his ERA to a sparkling 2.98, making a compelling case that he could be an option for the Rangers' rotation sooner rather than later. On a day with tough news, White's gem was a welcome reminder of the talent brewing in the farm system.
As Manager Bruce Bochy said, it all comes down to execution. The Rangers have the talent, as evidenced by García's power, Carter's defense, and Langford's return. But the team sits two games below .500 because the 'little things' aren't consistently being cleaned up. With Burger now sidelined, the pressure mounts. Texas will need to find a way to string together complete games and get back on track Tuesday against the Orioles, hoping that the bright spots from Monday can become the foundation for a much-needed win.
