In the world of baseball versatility, Jake Burger’s journey has taken a new turn this season with the Rangers. Known primarily for his skills at third base and a stint at first, Burger is exploring the designated hitter role, a position he’s growing into comfortably under manager Bruce Bochy’s watch.
This season marks Burger’s debut as a designated hitter with the Rangers, stepping up six times in this role—all but one were this month. The latest outing saw him at DH during the Rangers’ 6-2 loss to the Twins at Target Field. Historically, he’s been the DH in 69 games across his time with the White Sox and Marlins, but recent strategies have him frequently rotated in this position since joining the Rangers.
Josh Smith holding down first base, has allowed this shift, making it Bochy’s go-to setup during their tri-city road trip. The absence of Joc Pederson, sidelined since late May with a hand fracture, has opened the door for Bochy to experiment. Among all his lineup options, Burger has shown the most ease with the DH role, a crucial aspect given the club’s need for consistency.
“[Burger] just seems comfortable at DH,” Bochy shared. “Some guys don’t want to DH, but he’s done a good job at it. So just going to keep him there for a bit. He’s done such a great job at first base, I’m going to have to put him back at first at some point.”
Burger’s evolution with the Rangers is notable. Although he didn’t initially come up as a first baseman, his transition to this position has been aided by experience gained over recent years in Miami. This season, with Nathaniel Lowe traded away, Burger found himself as a full-time first baseman but now navigates dual responsibilities.
Defensively, he holds his own, with 0 outs above average but displaying strength with 3 defensive runs saved at first base. Meanwhile, Smith, showcasing solid numbers himself, still lacks Burger’s defensive flair.
Despite potentially sacrificing some defensive prowess in the field, Bochy’s strategic play seeks to bolster the Rangers’ offensive production. Burger’s shift hasn’t been a move made lightly. “I do think Burger is our best defender there. So, yeah, I’m giving up something to get something, which you have to do in this game sometimes. I think it’s worth it, especially when our offense hasn’t quite been what it should be,” Bochy explained.
Burger draws from past experiences to thrive in his new role. During his time with the White Sox, he often collaborated with Gavin Sheets, another DH, to navigate the transition seamlessly. “For me, it’s just about taking in the game, watching the game, staying present that way and being with the guys out there when they’re on defense. I’m not trying to overswing as well. That’s the biggest thing,” Burger shared.
The stats back up his gradual acclimatization over the years at DH, starting with a modest five games in 2021, a jump to nine in 2022, and a steady increase thereafter. For Burger, the challenge lies in managing his approach when only batting. “I think for me, it’s trying to create those micro at-bats,” he noted. “When you DH, that’s all you really have.”
As Burger gets more comfortable, balancing his focus between offense and supporting the team while off the field, he embraces his role, knowing he has a solid path to contribute anytime he’s called upon.
