The Texas Rangers’ center field dynamics, featuring alternating starts between Leody Taveras and J.P. Martinez, have spurred speculation. However, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy offers a straightforward explanation, highlighting the ebb and flow of player performance.
“Guys get hot, you ride them,” Bochy said. “Guys get cold, you give them a break.”
This philosophy is pivotal in understanding Taveras’ recent two-game hiatus and Martinez’s sole break in the lineup.
Presently, it’s Martinez who’s riding a wave of success, while Taveras has encountered difficulties. Taveras marked a milestone in his career with 10 home runs, including his inaugural multi-home run performance in June. In May, he ranked among American League qualifiers in categories like batting average (1st), hits (T3rd), on-base percentage (9th), and times on base (T10th).
However, Taveras’ batting average has dipped from its near-.300 peak to .263 over the last 28 games. In this span, he has batted .173 (18-for-104), and his performance in the past four games yielded just three hits in 16 at-bats. Additionally, he’s encountered four strikeouts in his last 12 at-bats.
Concerning these figures, Bochy cites the rationale behind providing Taveras with extended rest, noting, “I just want to give Leo a little break here. I mean, the numbers show that he hasn’t quite been what he was earlier in the season.”
Bochy underlines the significance of mental rejuvenation that accompanies physical reprieve from daily field play. Martinez’s commendable performance bolsters the decision to give Taveras the space to recalibrate his game.
Martinez was brought up by the Rangers last Friday when Travis Jankowski went on the paternity list. When Jankowski’s return coincided with Martinez’s debut, the Rangers chose to retain Martinez and return infielder Jonathan Ornelas to Triple-A Round Rock.
Martinez made his mark swiftly. Following a hitless MLB debut, he surged with a .500 batting average in the subsequent five games, going 8-for-16, accompanied by a double, two RBI, and a walk. He even clinched his first career pinch-hit against the Angels. Despite not recording a hit in Friday’s 9-8 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, Martinez contributed an RBI through a ninth-inning groundout.
Martinez’s versatility has invigorated the entire outfield rotation, with starts across all three positions. This uplift couldn’t be more timely as the Rangers contend with the Houston Astros in a tight race for the American League West title.
Bochy acknowledges, “When you bring somebody up like Martinez and he does such a great job, you have the luxury of being able to do that.”
In the current scenario, the focus is on affording Taveras respite, not relegating either center fielder. Bochy asserts, “They’re all going to be important pieces of the puzzle.”
The Rangers (72-50) proceed to face Milwaukee in the second game of the series on Saturday at 3:05 p.m. at Globe Life Field.