Texas Rangers Morning Rundown: These elements of 2024 finale thrilled Bruce Bochy

The manager enjoyed the 8-0 victory over the Angels, of course, but cherished the desire of veterans to play and the success of a rookie.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Nathan Eovaldi told manager Bruce Bochy earlier in the week that he would be the starting pitcher Sunday in the Texas Rangers‘ season finale.

David Roberston told Bochy on Sunday that he wanted to pitch the ninth inning against the Angels if the opportunity presented itself.

The regulars for most of the season, at least those who weren’t hobbling or on the injured list, expressed a desire to play even though the game held no meaning for the Rangers in the standings.

No, 2024 was not a success for the 2023 world champions, but Bochy was warmed by the professionalism shown by players and their passion to play. The nearly perfect 8-0 victory over the Angels and the weekend sweep are positive signs as the Rangers start preparing for next season.

“We’ve got work to do, but it is nice to finish on a great note,” Bochy said. “To a tee, when I checked with guys, they wanted to be out there. It says a lot about them. That’s what I really enjoyed this last week.”

The Rangers showed fight Saturday night, rallying from five runs down in the eighth inning for a 9-8 win. The bats stayed hot Sunday, though they again didn’t get going until late in the game.

Another highlight for Bochy, and the Rangers, was the big game at the plate by rookie Dustin Harris, who was making his second career start. He collected his first career hit, a key two-run double in the seventh for a 3-0 lead, and his first career homer, a leadoff shot to start the ninth.

The Rangers retrieved the home run ball, which he said he would give to his father as payment for all of the batting practice he’s thrown Harris.

“That was a moment I’ve been training for my whole life,” said Harris, who pumped his right fist between first and second base as the ball just cleared the right-field fence.

The success weekend didn’t take away the sting of a losing campaign after winning the World Series in 2023. Bochy talked about the work the Rangers have ahead of them, both in terms of the returning players improving and navigating free agency and trades.

Scouts are already working on those fronts, and the madness will begin after the World Series ends.

The weeks ahead

The Rangers have some pressing business before they can even entertain signing a free agent. First up is the health of Adolis Garcia.

Bochy said the right fielder will be examined today after leaving Saturday’s game early with knee soreness. Which knee? It might be both. Bochy said it was too early to say if Garcia would need surgery.

A watchful eye will also be kept on third baseman Josh Jung. He’s in the midst of two weeks of no baseball activity, after which the Rangers will again have his right wrist scanned. The expectation is that Jung will not need surgery.

The Rangers will hold their annual pro scouting meetings, likely in mid-October, to begin the process of targeting free agents and trade candidates. Evaluating their own players and prospects who might be able to help in 2025 will also be on the agenda. The meetings aren’t any fun, but they are a necessity.

While players don’t become free agents until after the World Series, the Rangers can be in contact with their own impending free agents. October deals are rare and often frowned upon by the commissioner for taking attention away from the postseason, but in October 2013 the Rangers re-signed reliever Jason Frasor to a one-year deal.

One more: Bochy said that he expects his entire coaching staff to return for 2025, which would take one item off the offseason to-do list.

ICYMI …

The offseason has arrived for the Rangers, but not for the DLLS Rangers team. You might say we’re just beginning. While there will be no games, there will be ample 2024 review, 2025 look-aheads, free-agent signings and trades. DLLS will be doing a live Rangers podcast five days a week, the first of its kind, and the weekly show will still be cranking. Have you considered becoming a Diehard? You should. Some of our latest content is for Diehard members only, in case you missed it.

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Jeff Wilson, jwilson@alldlls.com