Five things we learned about the Texas Rangers in May

As June arrives, the Rangers have taken center stage in the local sports scene. With hockey season concluded and the Mavs failing to impress, the XFL hype has faded away, leaving the spotlight solely on the Rangers for the next two months.

In case you missed it, here are five key takeaways from the Rangers' performance in May:

1. Nathan Eovaldi's emergence as a leader: This realization began to surface earlier, but it became even more apparent on April 29 when Jacob deGrom was sidelined due to elbow inflammation. Eovaldi pitched a remarkable complete game shutout against the New York Yankees that day. Since deGrom's absence, Eovaldi has been in sensational form, boasting a 5-0 record with a 0.77 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, and holding opponents to a mere .166 batting average. It's highly likely that he will be named the AL Pitcher of the Month for May, as Rangers pitchers continue to shine during this month, just like Martín Pérez did last year.

2. Leody Taveras' breakthrough: This season was crucial for Taveras, who, despite being only 24 years old, had struggled to establish himself in his previous three opportunities. Additionally, the rapidly approaching No. 1 prospect, Evan Carter, currently playing at Double-A, added further pressure. However, Taveras has made adjustments to his batting stance, adopting a more crouched position that allows him to attack pitches with greater efficiency. His experience has also enabled him to better understand his strike zone, reducing his chase rate by approximately 15% compared to last year and halving his strikeout-to-walk ratio. Taveras now makes contact more frequently, resulting in harder hits. His impressive performance in May includes a slash line of .368/.419/.516/.935. While these numbers may not be entirely sustainable, it is evident that his peaks are higher, and his overall performance floor has improved since last year.

3. Stellar defense: The Rangers' recent win against Detroit, highlighted by a superb double play, emphasized the value of their improved defensive play. By various metrics, the Rangers now rank among the top-tier teams defensively. According to Sports Info Solutions, they are sixth in runs saved (+15), and the Fangraphs defensive index also places them at sixth.

The middle infielders have developed a great chemistry after spending a year getting to know each other. Taveras has gained confidence and aggressiveness in center field, Adolis García possesses a cannon-like arm, Jonah Heim is widely regarded as the best framer in baseball, and rookie Josh Jung has impressed Bruce Bochy with his consistent performance at third base.

4. Success on the road: In May, the Rangers faced the challenge of playing 19 road games, enduring two arduous three-city trips across both coasts. Historically, the road has been a stumbling block for the team, with a meager winning percentage of .384 over the past six years. However, the Rangers defied expectations, winning all six series and achieving a remarkable 13-5 record on the road for the month. This performance matched the franchise's record for most road wins in a single month, previously set in August 2013.

5. Embrace the journey: The Rangers are undoubtedly a good team, albeit with flaws like any other. However, their brand of baseball in May was arguably the best overall performance in a decade, if not longer. While their bullpen requires reinforcement and Pérez has been less consistent than last year, it's important to remember that no team is perfect. The renewed attention to detail and improved defense speak volumes about the team's progress. Moreover, defense tends to remain stable even during slumps. Instead of fixating on potential setbacks, it's essential to appreciate the beauty of their current performance. Watching the Rangers play right now is a delightful experience.