Josh Smith was moved from the Rangers' leadoff to the 9th Friday, with Michael Helman leading off. Bochy said Smith should return atop the order against Hunter Brown, citing his plus at-bats and the lack of better options. Langford’s early leadoff success and Pederson’s power give Bochy a pathway for No. 2 and the heart of the lineup, while Helman continues to set the table when Smith sits. Rangers’ leadoff OBP sits around .309, 27th in MLB, highlighting the tactical shuffle as Texas heads into Houston.