Injury Woes Hitting Texas Hard

After signing outfielder Shin Shoo-Choo, and trading for first baseman Prince Fielder, the Rangers looked like World Series contenders coming into this season. However, everything started to go downhill after two 4 game losing streaks in late April and early May. Then on May 17th, Prince Fielder was lost for the season after injuring his neck. Then the injuries started piling up as starting pitcher Matt Harrison (60 Day DL, back), first baseman Mitch Moreland (15 day DL, Ankle), starting pitcher Derek Holland (60 day DL, Knee), starting pitcher Tanner Scheppers (15 day DL, elbow) all landed on the disabled list. Even though the Texas Rangers have already suffered from a majority of injuries, they're still only three games under .500. Texas is also 4th in the majors in batting average (.267), 5th in on base percentage (.329), 5th in hits (573), but they still lack power as they are 28th in home runs hit (44). Right Fielder Alex Rios leads the A.L. with a .335 batting average and Adrian Beltre, who came back from his injury, is batting .320. While the offense has been decent in Texas, the pitching has struggled. Starter Yu Darvish has pitched phenomenal thus far as he has posted a 2.36 E.R.A. and has struck out 91 batters. Other than Yu, the other eight Rangers starters have a combined 5.00 E.R.A. To make matters worse, the Rangers haven't found consistent production from their catchers, since A.J. Pierzynski left for Boston. They have a combined .185 batting average. All in all, the Rangers are having a very up and down season and are hoping to overcome early struggles soon or after the All-Star break.