Texas Rangers shortstop 2024 season ended in a way few players desire.
he successfully underwent treatment for a sports challenge on his right side and is ready to start his rehabilitation when necessary. His season came to a close when he was placed on the 10-day injured list on September 4 due to what the Rangers described as right hip discomfort.
His season actually began with surgery for a sports hernia on his left side on January 30, which limited his preparation during spring training and exhibition games. Despite this, he felt that his earlier surgery did not hinder him during the season, and he noted that his recent issue was unrelated to it.
“I can’t really pinpoint when it started,”he explained. “But it was definitely bothering me.”
Despite a limited ramp-up to the season, he finished with a solid batting line of .278/.353/.512/.864, hitting 30 home runs and driving in 74 runs. He was selected for the All-Star Game and achieved the milestone of 30 or more home runs for the third consecutive season, with his final home run marking his 200th career home run.
The Rangers attempted to use him as a designated hitter throughout the season, but he played 113 of his 123 games in the field.
After undergoing two sports hernia surgeries in one year, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy stated that there are no plans to reduce his time in the field next season. “I’m glad we got it done so he’ll be ready for spring training,” Bochy said. “He’s starting to move around a bit, but I’m walking faster than he is right now.”
he won his second World Series ring last season when the Rangers claimed their first title in franchise history. He also earned the World Series MVP award for the second time, having previously won it with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020. Additionally, he finished second in the American League MVP voting in 2023, behind Shohei Ohtani.
Looking ahead,he is eager to move forward and is thankful for the surgery. “I just want to get healthy,” he said. “I didn’t really have an offseason last year, so I’m looking forward to getting my body back to where I want it.”
