Texas Rangers ownership pressured their front office to trade for starting pitcher Matt Garza, reports Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.
Rangers rumors: Ownership wanted Matt Garza, attempted blockbuster for Justin Upton
The Rangers front office was pressured by ownership to deal for Garza, then attempted to use him in a blockbuster trade for Justin Upton.
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Texas sent four players to the Chicago Cubs on July 23rd to acquire Garza. The right-hander has disappointed since joining the Rangers, going 4-5 with a 4.56 ERA in 12 starts; Garza was 6-1 with a 3.17 ERA in Chicago.
More Rangers: Lone Star Ball on Garza deal
The Rangers have collapsed during the final month of the season. They entered September leading the AL West, but have gone 5-15 in their last 20 games, currently trailing the Cleveland Indians by 1 1/2 games in the Wild Card. Passan notes that the team will likely regret parting ways with C.J. Edwards, who finished the season with a 1.96 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 23 innings.
Texas’ offense has struggled in September, only averaging 3.35 runs per game. The team has missed Nelson Cruz in their lineup; the outfielder is currently serving a 50-game suspension for his involvement with Biogenesis.
The Rangers attempted to fill the void with a deal before the trade deadline, offering Joe Nathan, David Murphy and Matt Garza to the Atlanta Braves for Justin Upton, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Braves rejected the deal, and the Rangers acquired Alex Rios in a waiver-trade instead.
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