Rangers manager Bruce Bochy missing Monday’s game vs. Tigers
Obviously, there is no replacing ‘Boch’ and who he is, but we will all step up our game and, hopefully, get it done for him,” Venable said during his pregame availability. Bochy is expected to return for Tuesday’s game against the Tigers. Monday marked the first game Bochy has missed during his one-plus seasons as manager of the Rangers. He guided Texas to the first World Series crown in franchise history last season, which was his fourth as a manager, the other three coming with the San Francisco Giants.
Bochy, 69, is in his 27th season as a manager and has a 2,122-2,131 regular-season record. He also managed the San Diego Padres (1995-2006) and Giants (2007-19) before Rangers general manager Chris Young lured him out of retirement prior to the 2023 campaign.
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The criticality of June for the Houston Astros (and some other thoughts)
Some things to think about as the all-important month of June approaches
Under this current run of Astros’ dominance, June is usually a month when Houston hits its stride on the field, but mindful of what it might need in the trade market. Even last season, when Houston seemed stuck in neutral before surging and when they were looking up at the Rangers, there was not a question of whether Houston would get to the playoffs, but would they be a division winner. That constant got upended this season. The team will end the month under .500, looking up at Seattle and Texas/Arlington in the standings.
Two straight under .500 months haven’t been seen in a Houston full season since 2014. While many don’t really see 2024 ending without Houston in the playoffs, it is far from a certainty. Perhaps hyperbole, but June 2024 might be one of the most consequential months in Astros’ history. A team that is all about contending for championships in the here-and-now is also aware of the demands of time. With stalwarts like Verlander, Bregman and Pressly slated for free agency at the end of this year (or in a position for that to happen), there is the sense of a last ride. What should Houston do? A few thoughts.
