DALLAS – It’s been nine months since the Texas Rangers won the World Series, but on Thursday they have one more chance to celebrate with the President of the United States.
This is just one of the reasons why the team is in the news on Thursday.
The Rangers have reportedly signed 17-year-old outfielder David Ortiz Jr., the son of David Ortiz aka Big Papi.
The Hall of Famer posted the news on Instagram and thanked the Rangers, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity to develop a Major Leaguer.”
In another post, the Red Sox icon called his son “a criminal with a bat.”
The $225,000 deal reportedly includes a stipend and a signing bonus.
Ortiz Jr. is now one of the team’s most promising talents, along with the sons of former Rangers, Adrian Beltre and Vladimir Guerro.
Meanwhile, the Rangers lost another home game against the Astros on Wednesday.
Houston started strong and built a 5-0 lead.
Marcus Semien tried to catch up with his 17th home run, but Texas failed and lost 4-6.
They are now 5.5 games behind first place Houston in the AL West.
Manager Bruce Bochy said there are still 47 games left in the regular season and there is still time to turn things around.
“We still have a lot of August left. We still have September. We just have to find a way to get going. That’s what we’ve always said. That will happen by throwing a little better and swinging the bats a little better. This team has it in it and I still believe in it. You just have to keep believing in it,” Bochy said.
The Rangers have Thursday off to celebrate with President Biden at the White House.
It is the Rangers’ first visit to the White House after winning the first championship title in franchise history with a victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Rangers open a weekend series in New York against the Yankees on Friday night.
