Sborz, 32, returns to the team he has spent the past five years with. The highlight of that tenure was 2023. Sborz had an unimpressive 5.50 earned run average that season but the underlying marks were better. His 7.9% walk rate was a bit better than average and his 30.7% strikeout rate was very strong. A small 56% strand rate seemed to push some extra runs across, which is why his 3.75 FIP and 3.05 SIERA were much more optimistic.
The Rangers are looking for several new bats as they look to, as GM Ross Fenstermaker indicated at season's end, improve their on-base percentage and contact skills. Newly installed manager Skip Schumaker has already spoken about finding a new offensive identity. One potential target who had popped up on the Rangers' radar, per Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, was Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar.
Infielder/outfielder Josh Smith has been placed on the paternity list. Right-handers Chris Martin and Cole Winn have each been placed on the 15-day injured list. Right-handers Luis Curvelo and Jose Corniell have been recalled to take two of those spots. Infielder Donovan Solano has had his contract selected to take the third. To open a 40-man spot for Solano, right-hander Nathan Eovaldi has been transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The Reds are still in the Postseason hunt here in the final stages of the season and they could ill-afford a series loss to the Pirates of all teams. Yet, it happened! The pitchers' duel between Paul Skenes and Hunter Greene delivered some prime entertainment. Pittsburgh put up those two runs against Greene while Skenes was nearly untouchable for six innings.
The Rangers decided to add at this year's trade deadline and acquired several arms to beef up the pitching staff. Merrill Kelly was the headliner, but the team also swung deals for Danny Coulombe and in an effort to make up for somewhat lacking production from the club's offense. That strategy, unfortunately, hasn't worked. The Rangers' position in the standings hasn't changed much as they've remained stuck around .500, as has been the case for most of the year.
