Long-term health takes precedence over immediate performance for the Texas Rangers, as manager Bruce Bochy opted to rest Wyatt Langford following his return from injury. Langford, despite a strong comeback with 12 hits in 23 at-bats and two homers, was kept out of the lineup against the Giants to ensure his continued recovery.

In his absence, Bochy chose Jake Burger to take the No. 2 spot in the batting order, strategically placing him between left-handers Josh Smith and Joc Pederson to maintain balance. The Rangers are looking to keep their lineup effective while being cautious with Langford's health.

As Week 5 of the 2025 MLB season approaches, savvy fantasy baseball managers will want to consider key outfielders available on the waiver wire. Leading the charge are three Cincinnati Reds: TJ Friedl, Austin Hays, and Gavin Lux. Friedl, with his strong leadoff performance, boasts a .328 average and is poised to capitalize against the Cardinals and Nationals at Great American Ballpark. Hays, back from the injured list, is hitting an impressive .386 with five home runs over his last 11 games, making him an enticing option in the cleanup spot.

Meanwhile, Gavin Lux is on a ten-game hitting streak, contributing significantly to the Reds' offense. Beyond the Reds, the Texas Rangers' Josh Smith offers positional flexibility while slashing .328/.414/.492, and the Colorado Rockies' Jordan Beck is on a hot streak, hitting five homers in three games. For deeper leagues, keep an eye on Kyle Stowers from the Miami Marlins, who has shown promise despite a high strikeout rate. Daulton Varsho’s return for the Blue Jays also brings potential upside, especially if he can recapture his power-speed combo. Make strategic moves to enhance your roster’s strength this week.

Josh Smith is making waves in Major League Baseball as he became the second player in Texas Rangers history to start at seven different positions in a single season, achieving this milestone just 27 games into the season. After starting in right field in a game against the Giants, Smith humorously admitted he had to ask about the position designation as it was unfamiliar territory for him. His versatility comes as a temporary solution while regular right fielder Adolis García takes a much-needed break due to a slump, having recorded just three hits in his previous five games.

Manager Bruce Bochy noted that García is working on regaining his timing at the plate and is taking this day off to reset mentally. The Rangers celebrate Smith's adaptability, which includes prior starts at positions ranging from second base to designated hitter. The remarkable feat underscores the depth and flexibility of the Rangers’ roster as they navigate the early part of the season.

The Texas Rangers are adapting to the loss of Corey Seager as Josh Smith steps up to fill the void at shortstop. Smith, known for his versatility, has already played multiple positions, including third base and left field, this season. His ability to maintain a solid .338 batting average and high OPS is crucial for the Rangers, especially as they navigate injuries to key players like Josh Jung and Wyatt Langford. General Manager Ross Fenstermaker praised Smith's impact on the team, highlighting his contributions both offensively and defensively.

Smith's ability to play six defensive positions reflects his importance to the Rangers' roster, providing added depth amid ongoing injury concerns. As the Rangers aim to keep their momentum and stay competitive in the league, Smith's performance will be critical. With a strong offensive start, there are expectations for Smith to be a key player in the coming games.

The Texas Rangers' lineup revitalized over the weekend, bouncing back from injuries that had plagued their early season. However, the team has faced another setback with Corey Seager's recent placement on the injured list due to a Grade 1 right hamstring strain, sustained during a game against the Athletics on Tuesday. Seager's departure significantly impacts the Rangers, as he had been among the few hitters contributing positively to a struggling offense that ranks near the bottom in several key metrics. Nick Ahmed will replace Seager, with Josh Smith expected to see significant time at shortstop.

Despite Seager's absence, the Rangers hope to optimize their lineup with Josh Jung and Marcus Semien potentially taking on larger roles. With Seager out, the team must adapt quickly to maintain offensive momentum amid their current batting statistics, which reflect a desperate need for improvement.