With five games left in the regular season I thought we’d check in on how some of our younger guys are doing.
Wes Benjamin-
This is Benjamin’s first major league start. He does have 84 career minor league starts and has followed an opener this season.
Got his first out on the second pitch of the game. Should have had his second on a grounder to IKF but the throw is low to Apostel. Scored an error. Strikes out the third batter. Escobar singles for the first D-Back hit of the night. Strikes out Kole Calhoun.
Through two with one additional hit. Gives his first walk to Walker in the third. Allows a homerun by Mathisen in the fifth. Losing some oomph in the sixth. Completes his service time with 80 pitches and two on in the sixth.
Doesn’t seem as discouraged when he falls behind in the count. End came abruptly as he put in a solid showing. Good major league start with 3 earned runs.
Leody Taveras-
Doubled in the first. Advanced on a Solak fly to center and scored on IKF sacrifice. Hits a soft tapper in the third and beats the throw to first. Flies out to deep left in the fifth. Strikes out in the seventh.
Both in the field and at the plate, Leody is one to watch. He’s definitely part of the future of the Rangers.
Nick Solak-
Flew out to center at his first at bat but hit it far enough to advance Taveras to third. Another fly out to center in the third. Walks in the fifth, Young’s first allowed. Scores on a triple by IKF. Strikes out on a questionable call in the seventh.
Not one of his better games. That being said, he’s still one of the Rangers most solid players.
Sam Huff-
Seems to be communicating well with Benjamin on their selection of pitches. Strikes out in his first at bat. Had a nice block on a curveball in the dirt in the second inning. Hits a one out double in the fourth. Advances to third. Scores on a single by Tejeda. Catches a pop up bunt attempt in the fifth. Doubles again in the sixth. Advances to third with one out. Thrown out at the plate, challenged by Rangers, call confirmed. Bounces out in the eighth.
Needs a bit more work smoothly framing pitches. He’s stopping the ball better than he has in previous games. Making noticeable positive progress.
Anderson Tejeda-
Strikes out in his first at bat. Singles in the fourth, scoring Huff. To first on a fielder’s choice in the sixth. Caught stealing. Makes a great stop and running throw for a much needed out at first in the sixth. Flies out in the ninth.
Needs to be more selective with his swings.
