Unexpected items on our Memorial Day weekend grilling list: The imminent prospects of Evan Carter. Nevertheless, here we are.

Following a 5-2 defeat to Philadelphia, the Rangers departed for Minneapolis late Thursday to face the Mavs. While one team boasts a World Championship, only one is performing at that level. Philadelphia, leading with the best record in baseball, swept the Rangers, extending their current losing streak to four games. With 10 losses in their last 12 games, it might be prudent, if you believe in karma, to accommodate them and the Mavericks in separate accommodations.

Each passing day seems to bring a fresh challenge for the Rangers. Injuries have been a constant concern, and the team has struggled to find offensive consistency for over a month. The gap in the bullpen’s middle relief has become increasingly evident. Moreover, the once-sturdy defense, which was the best in the AL last year, has become porous, exemplified by Josh Smith’s 30th error leading to the 26th unearned run. Last season, the Rangers committed only 57 errors and allowed 33 unearned runs throughout the entire year. Errors have become more frequent and costly for the team.

Manager Bruce Bochy commented, following a short post-game discussion with a few coaches about the dwindling bullpen options due to recent challenges, “When you find yourself in these kinds of downturns, this is the outcome. It becomes difficult to perform well in all aspects of the game. Currently, we’re struggling defensively as well.”

“We’ve experienced tough stretches in the past. With the length of the season, encountering such periods is inevitable. What’s crucial is how we handle it. We’re going to continue supporting the team through these tough times. It’s during these challenging moments that our support is most needed.”