Giants Turn to Returning Keaton Winn in Bid for Sweep of Rangers

The San Francisco Giants are on a mission to sweep their three-game series against the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas. Rookie right-hander Keaton Winn is coming off the 15-day injured list to make the start, and the Giants are hoping to take advantage of the Rangers’ recent struggles at the plate to continue their winning streak.

Keaton Winn’s Return

Early Season Success and Challenges

Keaton Winn (3-6, 6.17 ERA) had a promising start to the season, going 3-3 with a 3.18 ERA in April. However, May was tough for him, as he lost all three starts and posted a sky-high 18.36 ERA. His last start on May 14 against the Los Angeles Dodgers was rough, allowing five runs over four innings before hitting the injured list with a right forearm strain.

Importance for the Giants

Winn’s return is a big deal for the Giants. They need a strong outing from him to seal the sweep. Giants manager Bob Melvin is optimistic that Winn’s return will strengthen the rotation and help them secure a win against the struggling Rangers offense.

Rangers’ Offensive Struggles

Recent Performance

The Rangers have been in a slump, averaging just 3.2 runs per game since May 10. Over the first two games of this series, they’ve only managed 10 hits, with just one extra-base hit. Manager Bruce Bochy didn’t mince words: “Not much to say except we’re just not doing much offensively.”

Key Absences

The absence of reigning World Series MVP Corey Seager, sidelined with a left hamstring injury, has hit the Rangers hard. Bochy stressed the need for other players to step up: “We just have to get some guys hot. We’ve got to get hits with runners in scoring position.”

Key Performers and Matchups

Giants’ Standout: Heliot Ramos

Heliot Ramos has been a shining star for the Giants, hitting .462 in June with four home runs and 10 RBIs. His recent performances, including an RBI double and a two-run homer in the last game, have been crucial for San Francisco. Giants manager Bob Melvin praised Ramos, saying, “It’s pretty incredible what he’s doing.”

Rangers’ Pitching: Nathan Eovaldi

Nathan Eovaldi (2-2, 2.70 ERA) will be on the mound for the Rangers. Despite his career struggles against the Giants (2-4, 10.91 ERA in seven starts), Eovaldi is looking to deliver a strong performance to help Texas avoid the sweep. His last game against the Giants was back in 2019, adding intrigue to this matchup.

Game Highlights and Missed Opportunities

Giants’ Offensive Power

The Giants’ offense has been on fire, with Ramos leading the charge. His consistent hitting has been key in putting runs on the board early, setting a strong tone for San Francisco.

Rangers’ Near Comeback

The Rangers had a shot to tie the game in the ninth inning of the last match. Nathaniel Lowe and Jonah Heim got on base, advancing to scoring positions with Travis Jankowski’s groundout. Leody Taveras nearly hit a game-tying triple, but his liner just missed, resulting in a flyout to end the game. Bochy reflected on the missed chance: “Could have used a little luck there at the end with the ball Leo hit.”

Key Takeaways:

1. Winn’s Return: Keaton Winn’s performance is crucial for the Giants as he returns from injury.
2. Rangers’ Offense: Texas must step up offensively to avoid the sweep, especially with key players like Corey Seager sidelined.

Conclusion

The series finale between the Giants and Rangers is critical for both teams. The Giants, with Keaton Winn back in action, are looking to complete the sweep and keep their momentum going. On the other hand, the Rangers need to overcome their offensive woes and make the most of their scoring opportunities. The performances of Winn and Eovaldi will be key in determining the outcome.