Jacob deGrom struck out nine and allowed a leadoff homer in six solid innings, and Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Adolis García homered as the Texas Rangers beat the Athletics 6-2.

Rangers winger Brett Berard revealed that he tore his labrum in his shoulder during his fourth NHL game last season.

Anyone looking for the type of play that might be emblematic of the A's season could find it in the bottom of the 7th inning. With the score tied 1-1 with two outs and a runner on first, Texas catcher Jonah Heim hit a high pop fly to shallow left field that should have ended the inning. Instead the Rangers took the lead.

The Rangers also recalled outfielder Michael Helman and pitcher Cole Winn and sent infielder Justin Foscue and outfielder Alejandro Osuna back to the minors.

Langford used an electrifying display of baserunning to capitalize on the Athletics’ colossal mistake in the seventh inning.

“I saw it coming, and I’m ready,” Freeman said. “I’m ready for the challenge.” Last year in Double-A, Freeman said he dealt with the same situation. One of the catchers went down and he had to catch a bullpen the next day to be ready. The last time he caught in a game was 2023.