Rangers snap 6-game losing streak, beat Angels 7-1
SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Hitless in return Andrus started at shortstop and went 0-for-4 in Monday's 8-4 loss to the Mariners.
Impact Andrus returned to the lineup after sitting out two games but the results were the same. Manager Chris Woodward said Andrus, who has a .510 OPS, is no longer an everyday starter, so expect to see more of Anderson Tejeda and Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortstop through the end of the season.
SEPTEMBER 8, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
No longer an everyday player The Rangers will be taking longer looks at younger talent and are moving away from Andrus and Rougned Odor (eye) in the middle infield, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News report...
Impact The club has been moving in this direction for the past 18 months, but this frustrating season is forcing the Rangers to change focus. One play Friday sealed the deal on Andrus, and Anderson Tejeda started at shortstop Saturday and Sunday. Andrus failed to get to a grounder that resulted in a run in Friday's loss. The batted ball left the bat at 81 MPH and had an expected batting average of .130, but Andrus failed to track it down. "That's a play that you would expect a shortstop to make, especially at this level," manager Chris Woodward said. "He didn't really say much about it after, but I kind of had a feeling; obviously we can all kind of see if there is some lower-back issue there. But he hasn't really performed to the level that we would expect or he would expect. I want to see Tejeda play. I want to see what we have." The Rangers have lost 17 out of 20, so the organization is focused on developing its talent for the next competitive window.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Oakland A’s: Should Elvis Andrus be an offseason trade target? The Oakland A's may need to find a stopgap solution at short next year. Elvis Andrus may be worth taking a look at. The Oakland A's will hav...
SEPTEMBER 6, 2020 • WHITECLEATBEAT.COM
Not in lineup Saturday Andrus isn't starting Saturday against the Mariners.
Impact Andrus has gone just 2-for-13 with one home run, two RBI and two strikeouts in four games since returning from the injured list. He'll get a breather with Anderson Tejeda starting at shortstop.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Texas Rangers: Elvis Andrus’ future remains uncertain Elvis Andrus' recent struggles on defense have gotten to the point where the Texas Rangers can no longer justify putting him in the lineup....
SEPTEMBER 5, 2020 • CALLTOTHEPEN.COM
Díaz, Brantley 3 RBIs each, Astros beat Lynn, Rangers 8-4
Aledmys Díaz hit a three-run homer and Michael Brantley added three RBIs, leading Zack Greinke and the Houston Astros to an 8-4 win over the Texas RangersSEPTEMBER 3, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sounds like relic Andrus is being challenged by manager Chris Woodward to be more productive offensively, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.
Impact Andrus hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning of Tuesday's win over the Astros, but prior to that at-bat, he'd hit three meek grounders, two of which ended in double-plays. Andrus, who has the fifth lowest OPS (.680) over the last three seasons among hitters with at least 1,000 plate appearances, has been resistant to the statistical analyses the Rangers have offered and lamented the direction of the game. "The toughest thing for me is to not to believe my instincts during the game and to actually believe more in a piece of paper, or report," he said. "That's where the game is right now. I think that's what I've been a little hard-headed about." Woodward, a statistically inclined manager, has given the 12-year veteran data that indicates opposing pitchers know his power zones, and they avoid them when pitching to him. As a result, Andrus has chased or taken defensive swings and experienced an offensive decline. Texas could decide to move on from Andrus and has candidates ready to fill in, like Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Anderson Tejeda.
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Chapman's 1st save seals Yankees' 5-3 win over Tampa Bay
SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Placed on injured list Andrus (back) was placed on the 10-day injured list Thursday.
Impact Andrus has dealt with a lower back strain in recent days that has kept him out of the starting lineup for four consecutive games. He appeared as a defensive replacement Wednesday, but he won't be available for at least 10 days while he recovers. Yadiel Rivera was recalled in a corresponding move, and he should serve as depth behind Danny Santana at shortstop while Andrus is sidelined.
AUGUST 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Not starting Thursday Andrus (back) isn't in the lineup Thursday against the Padres.
Impact Andrus entered Wednesday's game as a pinch runner and played two innings at shortstop, but he'll be out of the starting nine for the fourth consecutive game. However, his usage Wednesday would suggest that he could be available off the bench Thursday. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will shift to shortstop in Andrus' absence.
AUGUST 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Enters game late Andrus (back) entered Wednesday's game as a pinch runner and played two innings at shortstop.
Impact Andrus was held out of the starting lineup for a third consecutive game Wednesday, but his appearance late in the game as both a runner and fielder suggests his return is imminent. If he does start Thursday's series finale, the resulting domino effect on the lineup will likely be Isiah Kiner-Falefa shifting from shortstop to third base and Todd Frazier from third to first base.
AUGUST 20, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Lamet expected to start as Padres host the Rangers
The San Diego Padres square off against the Texas RangersAUGUST 20, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Still sidelined Wednesday Andrus (back) isn't in the lineup Wednesday against the Padres.
Impact Andrus will be sidelined for a third consecutive game as he continues to deal with a stiff lower back. The Rangers appear to be trying to avoid placing him on the injured list, but the team doesn't have much depth at shortstop. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will take over at shortstop Wednesday.
AUGUST 19, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Dealing with stiff back Andrus has been absent from the Rangers' lineup for the last two games due to a stiff lower back, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Impact Andrus hasn't been placed on the injured list, so the Rangers presumably believe he'll be back in the lineup soon. Isiah Kiner-Falefa has been starting at shortstop in his absence.
AUGUST 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Remains on bench Andrus will sit for the second straight game Tuesday against the Padres.
Impact There haven't been any indications that Andrus is injured, though it's a surprise to see him sit twice in a row after starting each of the season's first 20 games. It's certainly possible he's sitting for performance reasons, as he owns a .494 OPS on the year. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will be the shortstop for the second straight game Tuesday.
AUGUST 18, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Not in Monday's lineup Andrus isn't in the lineup for Monday's game against the Padres.
Impact Andrus dropped in the batting order Sunday in the midst of a cold start to the season, but he'll retreat to the bench Monday. Isiah Kiner-Falefa will shift to shortstop for the series opener against the Padres.
AUGUST 17, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Slides down order Andrus will start at shortstop and bat eighth Sunday against the Rockies.
Impact Manager Chris Woodward's patience with Andrus appears to be wearing thin amid the veteran's slow start to the season. Andrus, who is sporting a .480 OPS through 78 plate appearances, will occupy a spot in the bottom third of the lineup for the seventh game in a row. He's unlikely to rise back up in the order until he can put together at least a few quality hitting performances in a row.
AUGUST 16, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
Dietrich debuts as Rangers rally in 8th for 7-4 win over M's
Derek Dietrich reached base four times in his Texas debut and the Rangers scored five runs in the eighth inning for a 7-4 win over the Seattle MarinersAUGUST 13, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cubs top Tribe 7-2; Chicago's 12-3 start is best in 50 years
AUGUST 13, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
4-base error on ball over fence helps Rangers top Angels 7-3
Los Angeles Angels right fielder Jo Adell was charged with a rare four-base error when a fly ball from Texas’ Nick Solak popped out of the rookie’s glove and flew the few remaining...AUGUST 9, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Olson homers, Fiers gets 1st win as A's sweep Rangers
Matt Olson homered to back Mike Fiers’ first win of the season and the Oakland Athletics beat the Texas Rangers 6-4 on for their sixth straight victory and a series sweepAUGUST 6, 2020 • ASSOCIATED PRESS
Nabs stolen base Andrus went 2-for-4 with a stolen base and a double in Wednesday's 6-4 loss to the Athletics.
Impact Andrus doubled in the third inning and managed to steal third for his second stolen base of the season. The shortstop has struggled to a .193/.310/.250 line with two RBI and three runs scored in 10 games.
AUGUST 6, 2020 • ROTOWIRE
