48-63 - Odor can’t be stopped as Rangers roll over Orioles again

I think maybe the Rangers have found the pitcher who fits the Doug Brocail era. Ariel Jurado does one thing really well: He throws a bowling ball sinker that hitters have a hard time driving. Think 2015-2016 Sam Dyson but he can go six innings.

The reason that works for the Rangers is throwing a heavy dosage of fastballs is entirely their pitching identity. It’s working for Jurado in his first taste in the big leagues.

After throwing 4 ²⁄₃ innings in an emergency start back in May in Chicago, where he had one bad inning that saw him allow four runs, in now two starts since replacing Cole Hamels in the rotation, Jurado has allowed just three total runs in 12 ²⁄₃ innings. And sure, tonight it was against Baltimore, but allowing one run to the Astros - as he did last weekend - is nothing to sneeze at.

Tonight, in his debut at home, Jurado pitched five innings and allowed two runs on six hits, two walks, and three strikeouts. Jurado got six ground ball outs and induced two double plays to get himself out of trouble. So far, he’s looked like a right-handed Martin Perez.

That’s not damning with faint praise, either. If Ariel Jurado can give the Rangers serviceable BORP innings, it’s a win.

Player of the Game: Congratulations on already winning the American League August Player of the Month award, Rougie.

Up Next: The Rangers and Orioles go at it again tomorrow night with Mike Minor set to face off against RHP Dylan Bundy for Baltimore. First pitch from The Ballpark is scheduled for 7:05 pm CT.