The Texas Rangers found themselves in a challenging position as they entered July with a record of 38-46, marking it as one of the worst starts for a defending champion in the 120-year history of the World Series. This stark statistic underscores the struggles the team faced in their quest to maintain the championship caliber they achieved in previous seasons.

For a team that clinched their first World Series title just a year prior, this downturn in performance was particularly disappointing. The Rangers, known for their resilience and competitive spirit, had been celebrated for their achievements in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, where they reached the World Series consecutively but fell short. However, they finally secured their historic victory in 2011, marking a significant milestone for the franchise and its devoted fan base.

The 2012 season began with high hopes and expectations, fueled by the momentum of their recent championship win. Yet, despite the talent on their roster and the experience of seasoned players, the Rangers struggled to replicate their previous success. Various factors, including injuries to key players, inconsistent pitching performances, and challenges in offensive production, contributed to their uncharacteristically slow start.