The Texas Rangers hold a 15-12 record so far this season, good enough for second place in the AL West. The Rangers are just a half game back of the Seattle Mariners. Like every MLB team, there have been a few surprises so far this season for the Rangers. Some of them have been positive and some have hurt the team. Below, we have the 3 biggest surprises for the Rangers this season.
3. Starting Pitching
The Rangers were expected to have quality starting pitching, especially when Yu Darvish returned. But the Rangers' starting staff has been incredible to start the season. All five starters have an ERA below 3.60 and a WHIP below 1.45. Martin Perez has posted a 3.60 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP, although his 1-2 record is deceptive. A.J. Griffin is 3-0 with a team-best 2.32 ERA and a WHIP of 1. Colby Lewis is 4-2 with a 3.19 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. Derek Holland looks the Holland of old with a 2.48 ERA, a 3-1 record and a 1.03 WHIP. Cole Hamels is pitching well too, with a 3-0 record, 1.4 WHIP and a 3.30 ERA.
The Rangers starting pitching hasn't been a massive surprise, but it's been a pleasant one for the club. Now the question becomes if they can sustain that level of play, or at least a close one, throughout the season.
2. Prince Fielder
Last season, Fielder posted a .305/.378/.463 slash line with 23 home runs and 98 RBIs. But he doesn't look like the same player early this year. Fielder is hitting just .210 with a .261 OBP and a .320 slugging percentage. He has a team-high 17 RBIs, but just two homers. Fielder has struggled this season and that has to be worrisome given he struggled in 2014 as well. There's still plenty of time for Fielder to turn things around, but the Rangers need their cleanup hitter to get going.
1. Nomar Mazara
We close with a good surprise. Mazara is just a rookie, but don't tell him that. He's been the Rangers' best hitter since taking over for an injury Shin-Soo Choo. The 21-year old now looks like one of baseball's rising young stars. He's hitting a team-best .325 (the only Ranger above .300), with a .375 OBP. He's also added three homers and nine RBIs in 20 games. Even when Choo returns from the DL, Mazara has earned playing time.
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