Rangers Manager Discusses Catcher Strategy Ahead of Series vs. Red Sox

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy confirmed Friday that his second starting lineup of the season will closely resemble the order he intends to use on a daily basis, with minor adjustments expected.

Bochy’s strategic plans primarily focus on the catcher position, where Kyle Higashioka and Jonah Heim are set to share responsibilities. Higashioka started against left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, while Heim took the field for Friday’s game against right-handed All-Star Tanner Houck. Both catchers are expected to see action again this weekend, with one likely starting on Saturday or Sunday.

The manager emphasized that playing time will remain nearly equal between Higashioka and Heim. “It will be pretty close,” Bochy said, noting that factors such as each player’s performance and the opposing pitcher’s statistics will influence decisions. If one catcher plays consecutive games, the other is more likely to start the following game.

In the case of a four-game series like the one against Boston at Globe Life Field, Bochy indicated that both catchers could catch two games each. “If somebody has pretty good numbers or matches up well” against a particular pitcher, that will also dictate who gets the nod, he added.

Heading into the series, Heim held a solid 2-for-5 batting average with a home run in his career against Houck, making him a strong candidate for the lineup. “He’s likely to see more action against particularly tough right-handers,” Bochy said.

Higashioka, whose career statistics show a better performance against left-handed pitchers, earned his opening day start against Crochet. He successfully hit a run-scoring double against Crochet on Thursday and boasts a lifetime .724 OPS against southpaws.

With the season still in its early stages, fans remain eager to see how Bochy balances the two catchers and what impact it will have on the Rangers’ performance.