Former Texas Rangers Favorite Singled Out Biggest Reason For Turnaround

Derek Holland knows there are plenty of reasons why the Texas Rangers are in first place in the AL West, but he tipped his cap to one player in particular.

© Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Former Texas Rangers pitcher Derek Holland pinned down one thing he believes has made the team a contender this season during a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan’s ‘The Get Right.’

Now, there are plenty of reasons the Rangers (42-25) are in the league in the American League West, and Holland acknowledged that.

One could point to the starting pitching, led by Nathan Eovaldi, who appears headed to his second All-Star Game appearance.

There’s the offense, which leads the Majors in run scored after 66 games and has more 10- and 15-run games than any team in baseball.

The Rangers also enjoy the comforts of home, as they lead the Majors in runs scored per home game (6.63 per game).

But he named one player that, to him, has been a clear difference-maker for the club.

“Adolis García,” Holland said. “That guy has been absolutely getting after it.”

Entering Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, García ranked third in the Majors with 54 RBI and tied for fifth with 15 home runs. He had at least one hit in nine of his last 13 games to increase his batting average to .258.

He’s also among the American League leaders in runs (second, 48) and total bases (121, tied for ninth).

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy has raved about García's plate discipline and his 25.4% strikeout rate would be the lowest of his career if the season ended today.

García got off to a great start and was named AL Player of the Week for April 17-23 and was the Rangers' Player of the Month for April after finishing the month with eight home runs and 30 RBI and a slash line of .267/.322/.533/.855.

Plus, on April 22 against the Oakland Athletics, he went 5-for-5 with three home runs, two doubles, eight RBI, five runs, and a hit by pitch. He became the third player in the modern era to finish a game with at least 16 total bases, three homers, eight RBI, and five runs.

He's not only contributing at the plate. Garcia leads MLB with nine outfield assists, three more than any other player.

As you can see, you don't necessarily need to be a former MLB pitcher such as Holland to notice García is one of the biggest reasons the Rangers have turned things around.

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You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.

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