Jake Burger's struggles force Rangers to make bold roster move

The Texas Rangers surprised their roster Thursday with a move as they continue to struggle on offense. General manager Chris Young has optioned first baseman Jake Burger , one of the team's larger offseason acquisitions. Jake Burger was not getting it done at the plate, and the team decided the time was right to make a change. Replacing Jake Burger on the roster, the Rangers are calling up Triple-A first baseman Blaine Crim , who has been hitting well in the minors this season. The move is one of several efforts to bolster the team's offense.
Jake Burger fights to deliver after huge offseason trade
Jake Burger was the Rangers' hoped-for injection into the team's lineup this season. The Rangers dealt three prospects to the Miami Marlins for him on Dec. 11. They got him to replace Nathaniel Lowe, who was dealt to Washington. Jake Burger has yet to meet expectations, however.

He's batting just .190 and has a measly .561 OPS. Those figures were significantly lower than the Rangers had hoped when they signed him.

Story on Rangers demoting Jake Burger: https://t.co/XDBgWl6HSD

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 1, 2025

Thus, the Rangers have concluded that it is best to have Jake Burger "reset" and work on his game at the minor league level. A league source said that they'd like to get him back sooner, though, but that he won't be on the major league roster right now. General manager Chris Young has been extremely candid about his frustration.

Last week, he said, "I'm edgy and rightfully so," during a Dallas Morning News interview. The Rangers ranked 28th in runs per game before their latest 3-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics.
Blaine Crim's resilient performance gains him a call-up
With Jake Burger optioned down, the Rangers are turning to Blaine Crim for some offense. Blaine Crim has been raking at Triple-A, hitting.313 with seven home runs and a.930 OPS. He was a 19th-round pick in 2019 and is 27. While he's not a high-profile prospect, what he's doing now says he can handle some time in the big leagues. Blaine Crim's call-up gives the Rangers a new bat and a chance to shake things up.

Earlier this week, Young intimated that players such as Blaine Crim could see playing time. He stated to the Dallas Morning News, "We have guys going well at Triple A who, if things don’t improve, we obviously will have to consider." That threat is now a reality, as Young stated he could wait no longer to make a switch.

Manager Bruce Bochy has also been experimenting in trying to spur the offense. He moved Marcus Semien from leadoff and rested Leody Taveras for veteran Kevin Pillar. Now, however, the Rangers are hoping that Blaine Crim will turn things around at first base.


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