Sounding like Major League Baseball is lowering the boom in the Biogenesis scandal. Nelson Cruz, shown here on card number 148 of the 2011 Bowman set, is one of the more prominent players likely to see their seasons end under suspension. That's going to hurt. With the offense in scuffle mode, every loss of a big bopper hurts. Engle Beltre is likely to get the nod to replace Cruz but it's not likely Beltre's bat will replace Nellie's.
Two straight walk-off wins and gaining a game on the A's over the past two days. If the guys can hold on this evening they will pick up another game and move to four back of Oakland. Good news with the West Coast road trip starting on August second in Oakland. That would be a good time for the team to get hot and close with the A's. Of course, as Mrs. Spiff asked, isn't it concerning to win too many with walk-offs?
On a related note, the bullpen melt-down last night seems a little concerning as well. Texas has had one of the best pens in the Majors so it could be an isolated incident rather than the beginning of a dive.
Neftali Feliz is due to start his minor league rehab assignment tomorrow. He'll be pitching at Double A to start off. Hopefully things will go smoothly and he'll be back in action before the end of the month. Much as I hate to say it, I'm not sure how much impact Feliz will have. What the team needs is some offense.
Part of the reason for the offensive struggles is that Lance Berkman is still on the Disabled List. Apparently he's really struggling with his rehab and had mentioned retirement. No final word yet but it's a reasonable bet Lance won't be back in a Rangers uniform. Kind of bummer even though there were concerns from the start that Lance might not hold up for the whole season.
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