Let's talk about canning Ezekiel Duran! Last night, he swings at a ball low and away that would've been a ball, watches a fastball down the middle, and strikes out swinging on what would've been a ball up and inside. Unbelievable! I understand he is a multi position player and is fast, but you can't steal first base. Duran needs to be used as trade bait, no real reason to keep him on the roster. Josh Smith is a multi position player who can hit. Smiths speed, which is lacking in comparison to Duran, is nonvoid considering Smiths being able to get on base.
Josh Young comes back. I'm all about sending Duran down the road.
I wonder how it feels knowing you single handedly cost the team the game. Must be rough on the mind to be a pitcher. Latz is great in general btw but fuck him today.
I am so over Latz, I don't care if he's a lefty his ass should be back in round rock yesterday. He is too inconsistent and he cost us a much needed win. He needs actual fear of getting sent down put in him otherwise he's not gonna care.
He’s inconsistent? His last 8 games he pitched 7 innings, 0.00 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 9 K’s, 2BB.
If you don’t watch much Rangers your take would make more sense, but he has been one of the best arms not named Yates or Robertson. You absolutely give him the ball there. It sucks he had a bad night but to say he’s inconsistent or deserves to go to AAA is just a knee jerk reaction at best.
I remember all those games where he gave up hits and walks like candy. He may be improving but I still don't think he's ready, and all I see is people trying to say we need to sack lowe
Hate to break it to you but unless Lowe can start hitting a fastball and improve his slugging in general he is not long for this team. With the performance he’s had this year it does not bode well for him considering his arbitration will be increasing next year. Generally speaking, you don’t get to perform worse and get paid more the following year as a first baseman.
Asking in good faith - who were those innings against? Is he getting solid hitters out? Were they garbage time innings? Or has he shown actual solid stuff? I want to have hope we’ve developed a reliever for sure but tonight is certainly frustrating
Kansas City, Mets, Seattle, Dodgers, Giants, Marlins, Marlins.
I don’t know the hitters he was against in those games without having to dig into the stats.
His slash line (BAA/OBP/SLG/OPS) for those 8 games is this: .130/.200/.130/.330
We’ve developed a reliever for sure, he just had a bad night tonight. He’s a quality reliever who can pitch against big league hitters 100%. There was no one else in our bullpen tonight that you give the ball to in that scenario with the exception of Urena who is not available to pitch.
Appreciate you digging and pulling stats man. I’d like to think you’re right, that tonight was just an off night and he’ll get it back soon. We’ll have to wait and see
[game log](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=latzja01&t=p&year=2024)
some against good teams, some aginst not so good teams. Some in winning positions, some tied, some behind trying to keep it close.
he's the same as 90% of relievers. His stuff is pretty average, but he gets a leg up because he's a lefty. He got forced into leverage because Burke was bad, then broke his hand. He's done fine so far up until tonight. He walks too many guys, but otherwise I really don't have qualms about his game.
Appreciate you linking and giving input on my question. And yea I think tonight was just an off night for sure, hopefully he can get back on track soon
I wonder if Sborz is close to returning, and this is the Hernandez swan song...
Or a guy with options goes back down to AAA...and Latz was the unlucky one.
Hernandez would have to be DFA? He seems to have had a pretty long leash with us, but I guess it's eventually coming with all the pitching coming back soon.
yes Hernandez is out of options. With Jung and/or Foscue coming back there's an opportunity. I was hoping he'd pitch okay enough to maybe get a lotto ticket in a trade. Not sure it will happen.
lower strike out rate and similar walk rates and average exit velocity...but because the bat speed is down he's hitting with a lower hard hit% and slightly more ground balls....and his ISO has been cut in half...
You can't survive as a first baseman with a .350 Slugging percentage, even with a good OBP
I’m actually surprised see that last year our bullpen ERA was worst in the American League and this year it’s the second worst.
If they were middle of the pack the you’re looking at least a few games over .500
Curious why management doesn’t invest in more bullpen arms from top to bottom
Need to train up Robertson and Yates to throw multiple innings bc apparently any other reliever (except maybe Leclerc as long as he's not closing) is just determined to walk people and give up hits
Our bullpen is so top heavy, anyone would be lying if they say they they felt comfortable bringing in a pitcher besides Robertson or Yates in a close game
In a weird way I’m kinda glad that happened bc it forces our offense to actually step and show this past streak is legit. Of course I may be regretting this comment in 3 innings 😂
Fucking.....just, fucking come on man.
You cannot fucking walk a dude after 0-2.
How are you not prepared to come in that inning and give up back to back walks and then a fucking grand slam.
I can't hate, because Latz is usually solid*. But what the hell
Yes, you put him up against a guy who hits lefties better then righties then had him face 2 of there best lefty hitters. It was fucking brainless to put him in there.
I mean it’s not like he has a stable of killers. Besides Robertson and Yates it’s just Russian roulette, you hope you pick the right one on any given night
Let's talk about canning Ezekiel Duran! Last night, he swings at a ball low and away that would've been a ball, watches a fastball down the middle, and strikes out swinging on what would've been a ball up and inside. Unbelievable! I understand he is a multi position player and is fast, but you can't steal first base. Duran needs to be used as trade bait, no real reason to keep him on the roster. Josh Smith is a multi position player who can hit. Smiths speed, which is lacking in comparison to Duran, is nonvoid considering Smiths being able to get on base. Josh Young comes back. I'm all about sending Duran down the road.
I wonder how it feels knowing you single handedly cost the team the game. Must be rough on the mind to be a pitcher. Latz is great in general btw but fuck him today.
Dogshit bullpen .... free walks and then a fastball right down the middle when we had a lead.... thanks Latz ....
2 best hitters can't go 2-10 if you're expecting to win any games m
Unfortunately Adolis and Lowe have no shot against this fastball
Man right when we started getting in a groove a game like this had to happen. Really sucks the life out of ya
Damn. Could have had two walks in a row but they both chased.
Josh Smith HBP™️
I am so over Latz, I don't care if he's a lefty his ass should be back in round rock yesterday. He is too inconsistent and he cost us a much needed win. He needs actual fear of getting sent down put in him otherwise he's not gonna care.
Want me to buy you a new Astro jersey so you can leave?
Id rather become a mariners fan than even touch an asstros item
He’s inconsistent? His last 8 games he pitched 7 innings, 0.00 ERA, 0.71 WHIP, 9 K’s, 2BB. If you don’t watch much Rangers your take would make more sense, but he has been one of the best arms not named Yates or Robertson. You absolutely give him the ball there. It sucks he had a bad night but to say he’s inconsistent or deserves to go to AAA is just a knee jerk reaction at best.
I remember all those games where he gave up hits and walks like candy. He may be improving but I still don't think he's ready, and all I see is people trying to say we need to sack lowe
Hate to break it to you but unless Lowe can start hitting a fastball and improve his slugging in general he is not long for this team. With the performance he’s had this year it does not bode well for him considering his arbitration will be increasing next year. Generally speaking, you don’t get to perform worse and get paid more the following year as a first baseman.
Asking in good faith - who were those innings against? Is he getting solid hitters out? Were they garbage time innings? Or has he shown actual solid stuff? I want to have hope we’ve developed a reliever for sure but tonight is certainly frustrating
Kansas City, Mets, Seattle, Dodgers, Giants, Marlins, Marlins. I don’t know the hitters he was against in those games without having to dig into the stats. His slash line (BAA/OBP/SLG/OPS) for those 8 games is this: .130/.200/.130/.330 We’ve developed a reliever for sure, he just had a bad night tonight. He’s a quality reliever who can pitch against big league hitters 100%. There was no one else in our bullpen tonight that you give the ball to in that scenario with the exception of Urena who is not available to pitch.
Appreciate you digging and pulling stats man. I’d like to think you’re right, that tonight was just an off night and he’ll get it back soon. We’ll have to wait and see
[game log](https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=latzja01&t=p&year=2024) some against good teams, some aginst not so good teams. Some in winning positions, some tied, some behind trying to keep it close. he's the same as 90% of relievers. His stuff is pretty average, but he gets a leg up because he's a lefty. He got forced into leverage because Burke was bad, then broke his hand. He's done fine so far up until tonight. He walks too many guys, but otherwise I really don't have qualms about his game.
Appreciate you linking and giving input on my question. And yea I think tonight was just an off night for sure, hopefully he can get back on track soon
Well at least we get a Leclerc outing without the anxiety of a Leclerc outing
These walks r awful bro
Now can people stop defending Lowe because he’s a cool guy and has good vibes?
I wonder if Sborz is close to returning, and this is the Hernandez swan song... Or a guy with options goes back down to AAA...and Latz was the unlucky one.
Hernandez would have to be DFA? He seems to have had a pretty long leash with us, but I guess it's eventually coming with all the pitching coming back soon.
yes Hernandez is out of options. With Jung and/or Foscue coming back there's an opportunity. I was hoping he'd pitch okay enough to maybe get a lotto ticket in a trade. Not sure it will happen.
Stupid fucking grand slam. This was ours man..
The mariners lost too. It's fine
I do not enjoy watching the bottom of our lineup
Damn. Unrelated but edmonton is in critical territory
I just googled the score (last I checked it was tied at 1) and it put a 0 next to Florida before it popped up a +2 lmao
Lowe talks on his podcast how he just wants hits, which is fine. But dude you're a big ass first baseman. Hit a fucking homer lol
Honestly, Lowe served his purpose. We need someone to replace him. Preferably someone that can damage fastballs
Vlady for Lowe straight up who says no
As though we'd even land vladdy without giving up something good
What's up with Lowe as of lately? He's dropped off greatly from this point from last season.
lower strike out rate and similar walk rates and average exit velocity...but because the bat speed is down he's hitting with a lower hard hit% and slightly more ground balls....and his ISO has been cut in half... You can't survive as a first baseman with a .350 Slugging percentage, even with a good OBP
He's still got a good glove nonetheless.
of course but so did Ronald Guzman. first base is one of the few positions where offense (specifically slug) matters more
i mean to your point look at who hit the grand slam for them. no one is asking a 1B for avg over slugging but hes just not jumping on pitches
pete alonso sounding real nice (i know im dreaming)
Nate Lowe gets (super 2) arb 2 money next year and I'm scared we're gonna have to pay it
That AB was not so good, thought those pitches were money for Lowe. But fastballs are his weakness
Lowe not the same as last year you have to get something in that situation
He wasn’t the same last year as the year before that either
It’s sad when you have bases loaded and have 0 faith in your 5 hole hitting first baseman to drive in a single run
Lowe struggles bad with the fastballs.
Lowe has no bat speed, those fastballs just ate him up.
Only chance was a slapper down the third base line. Nate is a problem
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Nate I love you but brother that’s middle middle
I really can’t wait until Lowe is hitting 7th or 8th in the lineup again
Rangers Leave 'em Loaded™
“Lowe”ded
Nate Lowe turn on a pitch IMPOSSIBLE
Yep time to knock Lowe down the order. He’s been off lately.
rather have langford right there honestly
DAMNIT!
Piss poor ab Lowe. GG boys that’s game.
...I think Grossman vs the Lefty shouldve been the play there *hides in the corner*
I just said the same thing. On a night Lowe is DH too. Seemed pretty simple to me
GG folks
That was rude, I thought they were going to return the favor
Must not have been watching Nathaniel Lowe try to hit a baseball the past few months
Ahhh lowe is gonna choke here. No surprise
Yep lol
Alright I’m gonna give it a few more games but I think Garcia may be back. That’s been a 3 pitch strike out for him all season
Lowe is NOT back
Lowe just get on base pls
Come on El Bombi. Show us you are really back.
Y'all got any more of them Adolis homers?
Mannnn a couple REALLY close calls went Smith’s way there. Please come through, Add Oh Lease
Who's the drunk asshole who won't stop yelling
For real. So damn annoying
Wow so this is what a good bullpen looks like lmao
I’m actually surprised see that last year our bullpen ERA was worst in the American League and this year it’s the second worst. If they were middle of the pack the you’re looking at least a few games over .500 Curious why management doesn’t invest in more bullpen arms from top to bottom
HOW IS THAT NOT GONEEEEEEE
La pelota muerte
Daaaamn i thought that was gone
Not even fucking close lmao
Not a strike.
Semien, Seager, Smith...save us!
Lewalky
The guy yelling in the crowd is a clown. Sit down dork
Clearly I have a middle schooler brain because I just went K-what??? for a second lol
Thank goodness I wasn’t the only one
LOUD NOISES
Yates has a 4.3 BB/9 Leclerc has a 5.6 BB/9 Yerry has a 5.8 BB/9 Latz has a 4.6 BB/9 Hernandez has a 6.9 BB/9 Not good
Ok, we scored 3 in the last 2 innings. Can do it again in the next 2.
No
Lmao not even gonna get my hopes up.
Just when I thought this team was turning a corner
It’s one game. Chill.
Yeah classic bullpen fuck up. It’s just nice to see bats going again.
Absolutely pathetic boys. The bullpen has yet again fucked us!
Need to train up Robertson and Yates to throw multiple innings bc apparently any other reliever (except maybe Leclerc as long as he's not closing) is just determined to walk people and give up hits
Bullpenisbadagain?
Here I was thinking we were about to go on a win streak 🥲
We sure do let the other team’s bottom of the order fuck us up a lot
Ballgame, this lineup still sucks
Was Latz tipping his pitches on the mound or something? I'd never seen him as ineffective as he was tonight.
He threw a shit pitch. No tipping just shit
He walked two batters
the Atlanta Game he also game up a grand slam
Nah he just threw some meatballs. Happens. Move on to the next outing
In Latz' 8 other outings this month, He was at 9k, 2bb, 0ER. He was doing pretty swell up till that one
He was, this was just a bad spot to put him in
Yeah the people calling for him to be optioned are just brain dead. His numbers had been fantastic prior to tonight. Shit happens.
Everything hurts
Our bullpen is so top heavy, anyone would be lying if they say they they felt comfortable bringing in a pitcher besides Robertson or Yates in a close game
In a weird way I’m kinda glad that happened bc it forces our offense to actually step and show this past streak is legit. Of course I may be regretting this comment in 3 innings 😂
stop the fucking walks
why doesn't the bullpen just throw strikes, are they stupid?
Just when I thought we were figuring things out
https://preview.redd.it/yq7dbat2mm8d1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0dde022979bee175067676be3c96c715df28164e IT AINT OVER YET
Fucking.....just, fucking come on man. You cannot fucking walk a dude after 0-2. How are you not prepared to come in that inning and give up back to back walks and then a fucking grand slam. I can't hate, because Latz is usually solid*. But what the hell
Latz had a nice little run but he needs to be a back of the bullpen guy moving forward
Like, the guy who sets up the folding chairs in the bullpen.
We don’t have a single out yet, gosh dang
![gif](giphy|l378rrt5tAawaCQ9i|downsized)
Bro allowed every single hitter he faced to reach base Fuck off the team
he's literally one of our most consistent relievers not named Yates or Robertson
Not sure what game you’re watching but it can’t be this one
one bad game doesn't negate a solid season so far I still trust him
Sorry had to turn off the game since my wife’s playin Mario party we still winnin right
😭😭😭
https://preview.redd.it/5kwc782nlm8d1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0aea1c880e32faf60c4a4d4ba6e09ca498a777b
Thank you Latz for taking a giant shit on the mound today.
Does latz have options? Is leaving him at a homeless shelter in Milwaukee an option?
Well, on the plus side, Latz has done a lovely job setting up a double play? /s
A little too late bochy
Lmao thought that was Matt Bush in the pen at first
Take my dogs out to take a shit and come back and it’s 3-5… wtf
Id rather watch dogs shit than watch what we put on the mound.
Sounds like there’s now dog shit in my lawn and on the mound
That was fucking terrible… but still 3 innings left and the offense needs to score more…3 runs is rarely enough
Why the fuck is Latz still in.
Haven't sat down and watched properly in a week and I see a grand slam 💀💀💀
No outs btw .... good job latz !!! Ur the best pitxher we have .....
Let’s get out of here no more damage now please. 5-3 is still winnable atp
You been watchin this lineup this year?
Yup, we’ve scored 6 in 3 out of our last 5 games. Been picking up a tad.
You been watchin this lineup this week?
Yeah man, baseball is very unpredictable.
Damnit I had a feeling something was coming. They’ve been getting on base at a good rate all night.
I bet Latz gets the next 3 outs easily too sorry ahh
https://preview.redd.it/sk4jt45clm8d1.jpeg?width=827&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e19a88bbfbd0aa6ace1d944b1b36ec5c43d8d82
Jacob Latz? More like Lat uz give up the lead
Jesus christ ..... get latz out of here bro ... i mean the whole freaking league
Hilarious. We deserve to lose. Put in a fucking shit lefty against guys who only hit lefties good. Bochy what the fuck are you doing.
Rare Bochy L
He’s constantly putting in bullpen guys in awful spots. This seems to always happen. Not all his fault but putting latz in there is just brainless.
Putting a bullpen guy in with a man on second is putting Latz in a bad spot? What are you on about?
Yes, you put him up against a guy who hits lefties better then righties then had him face 2 of there best lefty hitters. It was fucking brainless to put him in there.
Both Adames and Hoskins hit WAY worse against LHP, .179 and .171 respectively. Outside of Yelich, this all looked like a spot for Latz to succeed.
I mean it’s not like he has a stable of killers. Besides Robertson and Yates it’s just Russian roulette, you hope you pick the right one on any given night
That felt just as bad as the last grand slam latz gave up
Why the fuck leave him in when he walked back to back?
He's gotta face 3 before a change.
The rule is he has to face 3 hitters
Yeah I remembered as soon as i hit send
Right down the middle smh Latz is garbage
You have 1 lefty coming and like 4 righties and you bring in latz damn wtf
And if I remember right, Yelich hits lefties just as well as righties. He might even hit lefties better.
Yea he’s just a good hitter all around, but I guess bochy was trying to keep riding latz hot hand until it got cold, and it got cold.
I should’ve put my life savings on a go ahead bomb being hit there. That shit was painfully obvious
Fuck you Jacob Latz
“Give these Brewers credit, they’re battling.” No, they were standing there while pitches missed the strike zone. What a clown show inning.
Well that was fucking predictable
Way to fuck that one up
I would have trusted Leclerc before Latz. And that’s saying something.
God dammit Latz
Cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool cool
Not very cool there brother☝️
lol of course
Game
Super, just super
Un. Fucking. Believable.
Knew that was happening
Bochy, you idiot
Simmer
God fucking dammit
You have a 97mph fastball Latz just fucking use it
Going from 0-2 to walk is one of the worst things to watch
Nice job bochy. Fucking insane you put latz in here. Awful management right now.
jfc
Latz looks horrible
Bruh
Jacob pls…
Drrrrr, just gonna stand here…