Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy outlines how catchers Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver will be used in the early stages of the 2023 season.
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy added clarity on handling the catching situation to start the season between Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver.
“We’re going to take care of Mitch coming off the injury,” Bochy said. “It’s fair to say that Jonah will get a little more playing time. It’s being cautious so we can keep Mitch healthy.”
The Rangers open the season Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies. First pitch at Globe Life Field is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT.
Garver underwent surgery to repair a flexor tendon in his right forearm in mid-July last season after going two months strictly as a designated hitter.
Garver caught 10 games this spring, while Heim was behind the plate for 11. The Rangers re-signed veteran Sandy León after releasing him from his minor league contract Monday.
Bochy wants to ease Garver into the catching role, with that possibly changing down the line. Right now, it’s making sure Garver remains healthy to start the season.
"Adjustments can be made during the season," Bochy said. "It wasn’t that long ago where Mitch wasn’t able to do some of the things he is doing now, and we want to keep it that way."
Heim started 102 games last season, 11 more than his previous season high in the minors (2018). The Rangers do have six off days in the first 36 days of the regular season, giving both catchers some extra rest.
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