The Rangers have completed their first two series of the 2021 season after Wednesday afternoons 2-1 win against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rangers are 3-3 after six games.
As much as we all want the Rangers to win, the 2021 season isn’t necessarily about the wins and losses. It’s more about developing young talent and identifying the players that could be here when this team competes for division titles again.
In this article, I want to look at five players’ performances through the first six games and give my thoughts.
Nate Lowe
An early candidate for best acquisition in MLB is Nate Lowe. The 25 year old first baseman was acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays during the off-season. It was assumed that he would be the team’s opening day starter at first base when the trade was made. However, in spring training the race between him and Ronald Guzman was closer than expected. Lowe held onto the job and through the first six games, Lowe has 14 RBI while hitting .320/.346/.720.
Kyle Gibson
After a rough opening day start in Kansas City, Gibson bounced back on Wednesday with 6 shutout innings, 8 strikeouts with only one walk. The walks were an issue after being given a five run first inning lead against the Royals.
I felt like this bounce back start was important because the Rangers need the veteran pitcher to eat innings this year because of fluidity of the rest of the pitching staff. The outing also helped Texas win their first series of the 2021 season.
Leody Taveras
If there is one thing I have been disappointed with through the first six games, it is Leody Taveras. Taveras is only 22 so struggles offensively are expected. But I haven’t liked a lot of his plate appearances. A lot of those plate appearances have ended in strikeouts. Taveras has 12 strikeouts in 19 at bats.
David Dahl
David Dahl is another offseason acquisition for the Rangers. Dahl is still only 27 so there is some upside there. After an All-star campaign in 2019, 2020 was rough for Dahl as he tried playing through a shoulder injury so he came to Texas looking to bounce back. In 93 at bats, Dahl slashed .183/.222./.247.
So far, in 2021 he is slashing .280/.296/.360.
Dane Dunning
The Rangers pitching staff had a rough time in Kansas City, but they have actually pitched well in 3 of the 6 games. On Tuesday night, Dane Dunning made his first start as a Ranger. Dunning pitched five innings giving up only one run and striking out six. Dunning was acquired from the Chicago White Sox in the Lance Lynn trade.
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