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Rangers' Josh Smith on a power surge as fifth starter competition heats up
Smith's hot hitting and Jacob Latz's struggles add intrigue to the battle for the final spot in the Rangers' rotation.
Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:10pm
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The Texas Rangers' competition for the fifth spot in their starting rotation is heating up as spring training winds down. Josh Smith has been on a power surge, hitting three home runs over the last eight days, while Jacob Latz had a rough outing on Friday, struggling with his mechanics and velocity. The Rangers also drew 11 walks in the game, tying their high for the exhibition season, as they continue to show a willingness to take more pitches this spring.
Why it matters
The battle for the fifth starter role is an important storyline for the Rangers as they prepare for the upcoming season. Smith's hot hitting and Latz's struggles add intrigue to the competition, which could come down to the final week of spring training. The Rangers' ability to draw walks also suggests they may have a more patient approach at the plate this year.
The details
In Friday's 9-3 win over the Rockies, Josh Smith continued his power surge, walking, doubling, and hitting a two-run homer. Over the last eight days, Smith is 6-for-13 with three homers, two doubles, and three walks. Meanwhile, Jacob Latz struggled with his mechanics and velocity, allowing a walk, double, long sacrifice fly, and run-scoring single in the first four batters he faced. Latz did rally to retire 10 of the final 13 batters he faced, but his outing lasted only four innings, when the intent was for five. The Rangers also drew 11 walks in the game, tying their high for the exhibition season and their highest in a spring game since 2008.
- On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Rangers defeated the Rockies 9-3.
- Over the last eight days, Josh Smith has been on a power surge, hitting three home runs.
The players
Josh Smith
A Rangers player who has been on a power surge this spring, hitting three home runs over the last eight days.
Jacob Latz
A Rangers pitcher competing for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, who struggled with his mechanics and velocity in his latest outing.
Kumar Rocker
A Rangers pitcher who had his most impressive outing of the spring two days before Latz's rough outing.
Josh Jung
A Rangers player who Smith may potentially replace at third base if Jung is not ready for the season opener.
Andrew McCutchen
A Rangers player who has had a strong start to spring training, reaching base six times in nine plate appearances this week with three doubles.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
What’s next
The Rangers will continue to evaluate their options for the fifth spot in the starting rotation as spring training winds down.
The takeaway
The competition for the Rangers' fifth starter role is shaping up to be an intriguing storyline as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Josh Smith's power surge and Jacob Latz's struggles add drama to the battle, while the team's patience at the plate suggests they may have a more disciplined approach this year.
