Rangers' Early Struggles: Pederson, Martin, Baumler

0:00Texas Rangers kicked off the season, answering some big questions early. Guys like Andrew McCutcheon prove he can handle right field in DH duties from the right side. Mackenzie Gore is looking like a strikeout king, with quality starts. And Reliever, Jakob Junis is that pitchmaker, the manager hyped. But three players are struggling, and could lose their spots if they don't turn it around soon. Designated hitter Jock Patterson is hitless in 10 at bat so far, though he's drawing walks and making smart swings. Last year, he started rough with a slash line under 200 before a thumb injury. Right now, he's the go-to against Rides, platooning with McCutcheon versus lefties. The next month will decide if that sticks. Reliever Chris Martin has blown a save and a tie game in just four outings. He's owning up to location problems, but the team keeps running him out there as their top option. At 39, with $4 million on the line and only 16 career saves, it's a risky bet with few alternatives in the pen. Rookie Carter Balmer made the opening roster as a Rule 5 pick, no triple A time, thanks to his arm talent and grit.

1:06But 11 of 24 batters have reached base against him, leading the team with six walks. He's escaped jam so far, yet command issues could send him down by May, when fresh arms arrive. These early hiccups test the rangers depth, especially in the bullpen. Watch how Patterson, Martin, and Bomler respond over the coming weeks. It could reshape the lineup in late innings before the month's out. That wraps Dallas News today, brought to you with AI.