DENVER -- Justin Foscue has always been a hitter, plain and simple. He was a hitter in high school, a hitter at Mississippi State and a hitter at every single level of the Minors. For a guy whose defensive proficiency was fairly limited, his hitting ability was his key to a big league career. It got him to be a first-round pick in 2020. It helped him move through the Rangers’ system in the ensuing years. But in his cups of coffee in the big leagues -- 15 games in 2024 and four in ‘25 -- he was unable to cement himself into the big league infielder rotation. But sometimes all a player needs is an opportunity and some runway. With Corey Seager (back) and Josh Smith (lots of ailments) both on the injured list, Foscue is getting the first real bit of runway he’s ever had at the big league level. And he’s making the most of it. |
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“I think it's honestly just about coming into my own and relaxing,” Foscue said. “Honestly, it's more just being in the clubhouse with the guys, feeling a part of it more than anything. It’s going out there and relaxing and playing my game. It definitely, so far, is feeling a lot different than the past. “This is just who I am. I feel like I'm a composed person. I know that this game is going to give me a lot of ups and downs. As long as I can stay as neutral as possible, then that's going to give me the best chance to have a long career.” Foscue's MLB stats don’t truly reflect his abilities. He entered the season just 3-for-51 (.059) in his limited big league appearances, including a brutal 0-for-39 skid to end the 2024 season. During the current road trip through Houston and Colorado, Foscue is batting .391 with three runs, three doubles, a home run and four RBIs. He entered this week's series against the Rockies with just three total MLB extra-base hits, then hit safely in all three games, going 7-for-12 with four extra-base hits -- three of which came in Monday's loss. |
Veteran outfielder Brandon Nimmo went out of his way to say how “proud” he was of Foscue and his recent heater. “He's been talking through the game with me, and he's certainly starting to understand how the pitchers are thinking,” Nimmo said. “That's part of maturity. He's doing it really quickly, so I'm happy to see that.” The talent was never the question with Foscue. He’s always had it. But his time in the big leagues has either been marred by a months-long oblique strain in 2024 or lack of opportunity in 2025. He’s always had the right type of mentality to overcome those hurdles. Now, in just a week, it’s finally paying off. He’s putting together more production at the big league level than he ever has before. He’s stepped up in big situations to help put the Rangers in the best position to win. He looks like a real big leaguer. “I'm just super happy, it's awesome,” said third baseman Josh Jung. “It's awesome to see. We were roommates during COVID, during our instructs [in 2020]. We've seen each other grow in this game. It's really cool to see him get results. Watching him, he’s getting super comfortable, he has a plan, he’s executing that plan, and isn't afraid to just set the bat down and go to first base. It's incredible to see. Hats off to him. This has been an incredible stretch, and hopefully he can keep going.” |
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MALCOLM MOORE ON A HEATER |
Rangers catching prospect Malcolm Moore (No. 18) has quickly become one of Minor League Baseball’s hottest hitters. From May 8-19, the 22-year-old collected eight straight multi-hit performances for High-A Hub City, leading to his selection as the South Atlantic League Player of the Week. It’s been a remarkable turnaround for Moore, the Rangers’ 2024 first-round selection. Moore’s first full season in pro ball was derailed when a foul tip broke a finger on his right hand in early April. He was sidelined for two months before producing a .198/.293/.271 slash line in High-A. Since the start of May, Moore has slashed .429/.515/.821 with 12 extra-base hits and 13 RBIs in 14 games, raising his season OPS to 1.009. |
Rangers right fielder Brandon Nimmo exited Wednesday’s 5-4 win over the Rockies at Coors Field in the fifth inning with right hamstring tightness. The move was precautionary. Nimmo singled with two outs in the inning before manager Skip Schumaker and a trainer went out to chat with him at first base. Nimmo appeared to wave them back, but he exited the game anyway. Nimmo has been managing a hamstring situation since the end of April, when he exited back-to-back games against the Yankees and Tigers with the same ailment. He has slotted in as the designated hitter for three games in early May while he was managing it. “I just saw him running down the line, and it didn't look right,” Schumaker said. “I asked him if he could go first to third or first to home if a double was hit in the gap. He didn't answer me, and I said, ‘Okay, that's good.’ He wanted to continue to play, but in these elements, I just wasn't ready to push it. I'm guessing he's going to tell you he's good to go.” |
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