ARLINGTON – The Texas Rangers are making headlines for their remarkable starting pitching, which is demonstrating an impressive turnaround this season. While much attention has been given to the team’s offensive struggles, the pitching staff has quietly established itself as one of the best in the league, achieving an ERA of 2.96 after their recent victory over Colorado.
This achievement marks a historic milestone for the Rangers, as it’s the first time the team has recorded an ERA below 3.00 since relocating to Texas in 1972. In comparison, the previous record was a 3.27 ERA in 2017, driven by the likes of Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels. Current pitchers Nathan Eovaldi, Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle, Jack Leiter, and Patrick Corbin have collectively outperformed their predecessor duo.
The Rangers pitching group stands out not just in their historical context, but currently ranks second in the American League and third overall in baseball. They also hold the best WHIP in the majors and have the second-fewest walks allowed, reflecting an effective strategy led by pitching coach Mike Maddux. His approach emphasizes attacking the strike zone and limiting walks, which has contributed to the team’s pitching success.
Eovaldi emphasizes the team’s competitive spirit, stating that the pitchers are driving each other to improve. During a recent five-game series, the starters posted a stunning collective ERA of 1.72, averaging more than six innings per outing. This performance showcases not only their talent but their commitment to giving the team a chance to win.
Jack Leiter, who achieved his first career quality start in the recent win, exemplifies this mentality. He focused on mixing his pitches effectively, demonstrating his growth as a pitcher while learning from veterans like Eovaldi. This collaborative environment fosters confidence among the pitchers, reinforcing their collective goal of dominating opposing lineups.
As the Rangers continue to navigate the season, their pitching staff’s impressive track record offers hope for the team’s overall success. With each game, they are proving that strong pitching can lead to victories, creating a positive outlook for the rest of the season.
The combination of talent, strategy, and team chemistry signals a promising future for the Rangers and may ultimately redirect the narrative away from offensive woes to the excellence of their pitching staff.