Texas Rangers 'Go' Behind Marcus Semien, All-Star Nearing Career Milestone

Second baseman Marcus Semien is one home run shy of 200, which would put him in select company among middle infielders.

© Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Semien was scuffling before the All-Star break. It’s no coincidence the Texas Rangers were struggling, too.

On the flip side, the All-Star second baseman has been on a tear since the hiatus for the Midsummer Classic.

And the American League West-leading Rangers are 5-0 since.

“When he’s going, we go,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “He’s such a catalyst. He’s such a good hitter, too. We’re all going to have our little (down) moments, but at the end of the day it’s going to be a great year for him.”

Semien had a great day in Tuesday’s 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Field, going 3-for-4, including a 413-foot solo shot to left in the third that broke a scoreless tie. With a pair of singles later in the game, Semien has now reached base safely in each of his last eight games with a slash line of .333/.457/.630/1.087.

“Right now, I like what I’m doing,” Semien said. “Obviously, I’m not chasing. I’m hitting the ball hard.”

The homer off Taj Bradley was the second-longest of the season for Semien, trailing just a 417-foot blast on April 18 against the Kansas City Royals. It was also his 199th career homer, as Semien is seeking to become just the 30th middle infielder in the Modern Era (beg. 1901) to hit at least 200 career home runs (Stathead).

The homer came on the first pitch of the at-bat, which was also the 20th “ambush” home run of Semien’s career and first in more than a year.

While the long balls are a welcome bonus, Semien’s primary offensive value comes from getting on base. He leads the club in hits (111) and runs (77), and it second in walks (44). The hits and runs are also second in the AL going into Wednesday’s series finale with Tampa Bay.

“When he gets on, he’s got a knack for scoring runs,” Bochy said. “It’s pretty cool to watch.”

As the leadoff hitter, Semien is just trying to do his job. It’s an important one that often leads to team success.

“I hit first in front of a lot of good hitters, so it’s up to me to get in base to try to get us going,” he said.

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