The Texas Rangers are showing signs of a midseason revival, and at the heart of it is a trio of veterans who have quietly reversed their seasons—and earned the team’s admiration in the process. Jake Burger, Marcus Semien, and Adolis García have each broken out of prolonged slumps, helping propel the Rangers back to .500 and reigniting a lineup that had gone cold through much of April and May.
As of today, the Rangers (36–36) have won seven of their last eight games, including series victories over the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox. The offensive turnaround is largely credited to the resurgence of these three sluggers—each of whom is now setting an example for the team’s younger talents, including top prospects Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford.
Jake Burger: Recharged and Producing
Burger’s early-season numbers were underwhelming, and the team made the difficult decision to option him to Triple-A Round Rock on May 2. At the time, he was slashing .190/.231/.330 with just three home runs and 12 RBIs. A player known for back-to-back 29+ home run seasons had simply lost his rhythm at the plate.
Since his return on May 12, Burger has been a different player. In 31 games, he has posted a .256/.286/.488 slash line with seven home runs and 16 RBIs. He has provided power from both first base and the designated hitter role, stepping in especially with Joc Pederson sidelined. The Rangers are 16–15 during that span—a sign that Burger’s bat has helped steady the ship.
Marcus Semien: A Veteran’s Response to Adversity
Semien’s struggles mirrored the brutal start he experienced back in 2022. For nearly two months this season, the usually reliable second baseman couldn’t find a groove. By late May, he found himself batting ninth—something rarely seen from a former All-Star. After going 0-for-3 against Toronto on May 26, he hit his lowest statistical point: a .174/.263/.226 line with just three home runs and 18 RBIs.
But Semien didn’t ask for a break or demotion. Instead, he grinded through it. Over the last 17 games, he’s been one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, slashing .383/.441/.683 with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and a scorching 1.125 OPS. His leadership has remained steady, and now his production matches it.
Adolis García: A Timely Reset Pays Off
García’s slump spanned nearly two months, and despite his value in the field and in the clubhouse, his numbers were hard to ignore. By early June, he was batting .208/.256/.371 with seven home runs and 27 RBIs. The Rangers gave him a full series off during the St. Louis matchup—a decision designed to let him reset mentally and work on pitch selection and plate discipline.
Since then, García has been sharp and efficient. In the 11 games following his return, he’s slashing .317/.356/.488 with an .843 OPS. The highlight came on June 15, when he delivered a walk-off single in the 11th inning to beat the White Sox. It wasn’t just clutch—it was the mark of a player who had recalibrated.
Impact Beyond the Box Score
Manager Bruce Bochy has repeatedly praised the veterans for their professionalism and leadership, noting that their resurgence is having a ripple effect throughout the clubhouse.
“They’ve each faced adversity and worked their way back,” Bochy said. “That kind of approach sets the tone for younger guys.”
Indeed, young stars Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford are benefitting from that example. Carter, just recently returning from injury, has shown flashes of brilliance, including a three-RBI game in Minnesota. Langford, one of the most anticipated rookies in the league, homered twice in that same series. Their development is happening in real time, and it’s being shaped by the standard veterans like Semien, García, and Burger are setting.
The Road Ahead
With the team now at .500 for the first time since early May, the Rangers have a window to climb further. Their next five series are against teams playing at or below .500, including the Royals, Tigers, and Athletics. Meanwhile, the AL West-leading Astros are peaking, making this stretch a critical opportunity for Texas to close the gap.
The Rangers’ clubhouse is buzzing—not just because of wins, but because of the identity it’s reclaiming. From power hitters finding their swings to prospects learning the ropes, this team is showing what a midseason resurgence looks like.
And at the center of it all are three sluggers who refused to let their seasons go quietly.
