And just like that, the Rangers are back at .500. They had a nice run, then reality set in. There’s only so much you can expect of the bottom end of their rotation. 

But if there is good news to be taken out of the 6-3 loss to Detroit, and the series loss as well, it’s that time in the minor leagues seemed to kickstart Josh Smith. Since being recalled, he’s 4-for-12 with a triple and a home run. 

The infield is going to be crowded. The Rangers have Ezequiel Duran and Nicky Lopez at second and short, as well as Cam Cauley and Justin Foscue, and maybe even Corey Seager one day.

Outfield is crowded as well with Brandon Nimmo, Alejandro Osuna, Evan Carter, Duran, Foscue, and maybe even Wyatt Langford one day.

The Rangers aren’t exactly tearing it up, but at 45-45, they’re holding on while the two biggest names on their roster in Seager and Langford continue missing time. 

Chances are neither will be back before the All-Star break, which happens after this week. The All-Star Game is Tuesday, July 15 in Philadelphia, so that means there are games up until Sunday, then nothing again until the following Friday.

If the Rangers even have a thought of making the playoffs, and that’s a possibility in the horrible American League West, they’ll need both Seager and Langford not only back in the lineup, but productive as well.

It would be nice if they had another arm or two in the rotation, but that’s just crazy talk. 

*****