Texas Rangers face a 4-6 week hurdle as Marcus Semien suffers a fractured third metatarsal and Lisfranc sprain, forcing a shuffling of infielders. Bochy plans to rotate Ezequiel Durán, Cody Freeman and Josh Smith at second base, guided by matchups and performance, with Durán the early standout at the position. Durán’s improved plate approach and reduced chase rate bolster his spot, while Freeman’s versatility and Smith’s defense give the Rangers a functional, multi-headed solution for the season’s final stretch.

Durán has pounded the ball lately, delivering a .378/.404/.467 line over his last 15 games, cutting chase rate from 37.7% to 32.1% and heating up on fastballs. He previously stepped in at short when Seager missed time, flashing a knack for piling up at-bats. Freeman, a rookie with 29 MLB at-bats, adds defense and depth at second, while Smith provides infield flexibility after years as a super-utility asset. The plan hinges on performance and matchup data as the Rangers chase a playoff berth this year.

Semien’s absence tests Texas’ one-inning durability and lineup balance, but Bochy remains confident they can piece it together. If Durán’s bat stays hot and the infield defense holds, the Rangers can survive this period and keep pace in a tight playoff race, aiming for Semien’s return later in the year.

Marcus Semien exited after two innings with a left foot contusion, fouling a ball off his foot in the first inning. He had remained out for two innings but delivered a solid relay on a Tyler Tolbert play before his lineup spot was pinch-hit for in the top of the third. Semien has started at least 159 games in each of the last four seasons and leads Texas in starts this year, underscoring how much the club relies on him when healthy.

Ezequiel Durán stepped up with two on and one out in the third, drawing a pinch-hit role as Texas eyes contingency plans if Semien misses time. The Rangers also reinforced their bullpen by activating Jacob Webb from the IL, a move that should help if Semien’s absence lingers. Semien had been out briefly over the weekend in Toronto with a sore hand, adding another layer to Texas’ lineup management as they navigate a tight schedule and keep the offense flexible.