Thursday Newsletter time: A rookie leadoff hitter? Yonny Hernandez's keen eye lifts him to top of Texas Rangers' lineup
The infielder has reached based in seven of the first 11 games of his big-league career in part because of his strike-zone judgment.
For a guy who is about as big physically as lightweight boxer, Yonny Hernandez, all 5-foot-9 and 140 pounds of him, is packing a pretty big punch in the Texas Rangers’ offense.
Manager Chris Woodward believes Hernandez reaches base and makes contact better than any current Rangers hitter, so Hernandez has been the leadoff hitter the past three games.
The Rangers know there is going to be almost no power from Hernandez, though he has worked to get stronger, and they don’t want him to try to hit for power.
Maybe Hernandez is fearless, maybe he doesn’t know any better, but leading off as a rookie isn’t easy.
“I believe I’ve always prepared myself for this situation, to be in the big leagues, and do what is necessary,” he said. “I feel like I have no fear because I’ve come in here mentally and physically prepared.”
Hernandez is beating the expectations that came with him earlier this month from Triple A Round Rock. Considering he is grieving the loss of his mother, he’s crushing expectations.
He has managed his emotions well enough to reach base in seven of his first 11 career games, including a leadoff single Wednesday night in 3-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners.
He came to the Rangers because he walks a lot (51 at Round Rock in 61 games) doesn’t strike out much (44 at Round Rock) and puts a lot of balls in play. His first two weeks in the major leagues have taught him that understanding the strike zone plays at any level.
“I’ve been very disciplined, not only on the field but preparing for pitches and pitchers I face,” Hernandez said. “Everything I’ve done in the minor leagues has led up to where I am now.”
Folty in ‘22?
There is still plenty of time for right-hander Mike Foltynewicz to go into another tailspin like the one he had in July, when he posted a 10.42 ERA on the heels of 7.40 June ERA.
Right now, though, he is arguably the Rangers’ best starter.
It was only four weeks ago when I wrote that he shouldn’t start again for the Rangers. Shouldn’t even be on team, with lousy pitching and even worse body language.
The Rangers put him on ice for nine days. If that was their version of sending him a message, he’s been all ears. He delivered a third straight quality start Wednesday, allowing two runs in six innings.
Those two runs came in the first inning on a Kyle Seager homer, the 37th of his career against the Rangers, but that was it. Seager got Foltynewicz again in the sixth with a double, but the Rangers threw out Mitch Haniger at home.
Foltynewicz is 2-12 with a 5.54 ERA after 24 starts/130 innings, and he likely has 30 more innings to go. He has received the worst run support in the American League, and has allowed the most home runs (35) in baseball.
Ugly numbers for sure, but Rangers pitching coach Doug Mathis believed early last month that Foltynewicz was close to turning the corner from where he was in 2019, 2020 and in June.
If that’s happening, and if he pitches well the rest of the season, the Rangers might have an inexpensive innings-eater already on the payroll for what is going to be another rebuilding season in 2022.
Foltynewicz has one year of salary arbitration remaining, and the Rangers are going to need a couple starters who can provide innings. Dane Dunning will be one, but then who?
Kolby Allard, potentially. Kohei Arihara, though missing most of this season will cut down on his workload. The Rangers aren’t going to turn any of their pitching prospects, like Cole Winn, loose for 150 to 180 innings next season.
Could the Rangers do better? Lord yes. Do they need 40-man roster spots? Lord yes.
But based on recent results, the book might not be closed on Foltynewicz after this season.
ICYMI …
Don’t beat yourself up if you’ve missed some of the stories this week at the Texas Rangers Newsletter. They’re right here in case you missed it.
Chuck Morgan’s fabulous career.
Doggy video!
This fella’s name is Finn, but he has some Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne in him. Enjoy. See you Friday.
Responding to a comment you made a few days ago, some potential newsletter topics-
-When an opponent gets on base, Lowe always jabbers away with him. What do they talk about? When and where did he start doing that? Does it have any real purpose? Is he like that all the time?
-What kind of guy is DJ Peters? I haven’t read much about his background, likes, childhood heroes, demeanor in the clubhouse, etc.
-Is CJ Nitkowski aware that a small but very loud segment of Rangers fans can’t stand his on-air presentation and think he’s arrogant? (Personally I think he’s funny.)