Joey Gallo Has Wrist Surgery
The Texas Rangers now have more to worry about than a simple losing streak. As of Thursday, the Rangers will be without the talent of slugger Joey Gallo.
Just when Texas picked up their first win in ten games, they lose their top bat to a broken hamate bone in Gallo’s right wrist. The more recent news sent the five-year slugger on the injured list, projecting him to miss at least four weeks.
This is an unlucky break for Gallo, who was in the midst of a breakout season. He currently has career highs in batting average (.253), slugging percentage (.389), and on-base percentage (.598). That comes after two straight seasons of 40 home runs or more. It’s also the very season that has earned Gallo his first-ever All-Star game selection, a game where he went yard yet again.
A Big Loss for both Joey Gallo and Texas
The loss of Gallo extends beyond just the setback for the 26-year-old himself. The Rangers are going to be without 14 percent of their current home run production and their best overall offensive threat. The timing of the loss is huge as Texas, has tasted victory in just two out of the last eleven contests. Since the All-Star Break, the Rangers have been reeling, winning only three games since July 9th. Gallo has been by far the best overall player for the Rangers, wielding an offensive runs above replacement mark of 20 while also leading Texas in overall WAR (Wins Above Replacement) at 3.4.
Good News
The small silver lining in all of this is the fact that Texas has the capability to withstand another Gallo absence. The team went 13-9 the last time Gallo hit the IL and could easily do that again while in the playoff hunt. With the resurgence of Danny Santanna and his career-best.322 batting average while the most productive on the team with balls in play (.401 BABIP).
Shifting of the Guard
With Gallo’s return trip to the IL, the Rangers will once again have to do some moving around. Former top prospect Willie Calhoun has been given the call up back to the major league ranks. He could have significant time in the outfield, although the leading candidate at the moment is Delino DeShields. He will probably take center field duties.
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