Grand Slam Might Be Kickstart Adolis García Needs for Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García launched a grand slam Monday night after struggling at the plate over the past week.

Kade Kistner | Apr 11, 2023

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Texas Rangers outfielder Adolis García is a significant part of the franchise's plans this season and moving forward. His usually steady glove pairs nicely with a combination of power at the plate and speed on the basepaths.

After a hot start to the season in the opening series against the Philadelphia Phillies, García has faded. He went hitless during the road trip series against the Chicago Cubs over Easter weekend. He's also made two mental errors in the outfield, one Sunday and another Monday against the Kansas City Royals.

The Gold Glover hasn't looked himself lately.

In the bottom of the sixth inning in Monday night's 11-2 blowout victory, García blasted a grand slam into the left field stands. The home run traveled 419 feet and came off the bat at a scorching 106.4-mph.

"It felt good," García said during the Bally Sports postgame interview. "I was looking for that pitch. I was ready for it and I hit it good."

For any player who has struggled mentally, a shot like that to put the game far out of reach could do wonders for his confidence.

Perhaps it's the catalyst that was needed to break García out of this mini-slump he has found himself in the previous four games. The Rangers were also scuffling some at the plate before breaking out again over the last two games.

"We know what we can do," García added. "We just stay patient every day working as a group."

In 2022, García had some months where he struggled. To contrast, in June of last year he recorded an incredible 153 OPS+ (MLB avg. 100). In July, he slumped and put up an 86 OPS+. But he came right back in August to post a 111 OPS+.

García has had ups and downs at the plate throughout his career. When he is locked in, he is a player that belongs in a World Series contending lineup. When he struggles, the offense suffers.

He is an offensive catalyst. The team would like to see more consistency out of the electric Cuban. Perhaps his grand slam on Monday night will act as a shot to the arm to get him going and keep him out of a prolonged slump.

He will get his chance to continue building off Monday's performance on Tuesday night when the Rangers play their second of three against the Royals. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. At Globe Life Field.

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Published Apr 11, 2023

KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies, Cubs and Astros. He is also an editor for Inside the Rangers. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.