Rangers lose to Cubs in extras on June 2, 2025, despite Taveras & Semien's efforts. Corey Seager's return offers hope for Texas' offense. Full recap!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another day, another nail-biter for the Texas Rangers, folks. Monday's contest against the Chicago Cubs was a rollercoaster of emotions, ultimately ending in a tough extra-inning loss. While the defeat stings, dropping the team to 28-31, the biggest news buzzing around Arlington is the impending return of our All-Star shortstop, Corey Seager, and the offensive jolt he promises to bring.
The Rangers' offense has felt Seager's absence keenly, averaging a mere 2.83 runs per game without him, a stark contrast to the 3.85 runs per game when he's anchoring the lineup.
The game on June 2nd was a classic back-and-forth. The Rangers found themselves trailing but mounted a spirited comeback in the late innings to tie things up at 6-6. Leody Taveras came through with a crucial triple, and Marcus Semien delivered a clutch RBI to send the crowd into a frenzy. Josh Jung also had a solid day at the plate with a multi-hit performance, and the bullpen deserves a nod for their strong relief work that kept the Rangers in the fight. Unfortunately, the Cubs managed to push across the winning run in extras, handing Texas a frustrating loss. We're still holding onto 3rd place in the AL West, but these are the kinds of games we need to start winning.
Let's talk about the light at the end of the tunnel: Corey Seager is reportedly very close to returning from the injured list! His absence has been glaring, particularly on the offensive side. The numbers don't lie – the team's run production takes a significant hit when Seager isn't in the lineup. His bat, his presence, and his leadership are exactly what this team needs to get back on track. Getting Seager back healthy and productive could be the single biggest catalyst for a mid-season surge. Fingers crossed we see him back in action very, very soon.
Amidst the team's offensive struggles, rookie outfielder Alejandro Osuna has been a pleasant surprise. He's recently collected his first and second big league hits, and he's showing the kind of spark that can energize a lineup. It's always exciting to see young players step up and make an impact. Osuna's early contributions give the coaching staff another valuable option in the outfield and offer a glimpse of the future. Hopefully, he can continue to build on this positive start and provide another consistent bat for the Rangers.
While Monday's loss stings, the imminent return of Corey Seager and the promising flashes from young talent like Alejandro Osuna offer a beacon of hope. The Rangers need to regroup quickly, integrate Seager back into the lineup, and find a way to turn these close contests into victories. The AL West is still within reach, but the time to make a move is now.
