In a weekly staple, we'll discuss who's in a groove and who's in a rut for the Texas Rangers.
Who's On?
Jake Smolinski — Since coming up early last week, Smolinski has taken the bigs by storm in his first shot at the majors as a 25-year-old. The left fielder has dazzled in the field a couple of times, and he's hitting .455 over his last four games while leading the team with four RBIs in that span.
Adrian Beltre — It never stops. One of the Rangers' two all-stars this season, Beltre has been phenomenal and is the American League leader in batting average at the break. He's batting .357 with a homer and two RBIs in the last four games.
Alex Rios — Rios has matched Beltre, as both are 5-for-14 in their last four games. Rios has three RBIs, trailing only Smolinski in the last four games.
Who's Off?
Shin-Soo Choo — Once again, Choo is ice cold. In the last four games before the break, the Rangers' leadoff hitter is batting just .071. Yikes.
Elvis Andrus — After getting warmer recently, Andrus stumbled into the break and needed the time off just about more than anyone else. The embattled shortstop is just 2-for-12 in the last four games and has struggled in the field, as well.
Colby Lewis — The veteran will look to bounce back from the worst start in Rangers history his last time out when he lasted just 2 1/3 innings against the Angels and gave up 13 runs (11 earned) on 13 hits.