Andrew McCutchen introduced a lasso celebration to the Texas Rangers after doubling in a win over the Phillies. Teammates quickly adopted the gesture during subsequent victories against the Orioles. Manager Skip Schumaker endorsed the fun amid an improved offensive start to the season.
BALTIMORE -- Andrew McCutchen debuted his lasso celebration on Saturday night, waving an invisible lasso over his head after a 10th-inning double that helped the Rangers defeat the Phillies. The veteran outfielder, in his first season with Texas, said the move came spontaneously. “When I pulled up into second, I was like I’m going to celebrate, I'm going to do this,” McCutchen said. He emphasized celebrating hits in baseball's tough landscape, pushing teammates to join in affirming each other after good plays. Dugout players asked if this was their new tradition, and McCutchen encouraged adoption since they lacked one last year. Getting hits remains challenging, and McCutchen wants mutual support among hitters. Evan Carter and Jake Burger attempted the lasso in Monday's win over the Orioles, with the gesture continuing Tuesday night. Carter booed Wyatt Langford's third-inning single effort from the dugout but approved overall. “Cutch just did it one day on second that day in Philly,” Carter said. “He said he didn't know what to do on a double. But now that's what we're all doing. I’m OK with that.” Manager Skip Schumaker supported the antics. “If they get on base, they can do whatever they want,” he laughed. The Rangers' offense, featuring newcomers McCutchen and Brandon Nimmo alongside Corey Seager and Carter, has shown early promise after lean years. Schumaker praised their approach of putting the ball in play and using the whole field, predicting success over 162 games.
