Jonah Heim DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (hand) is back in the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale in the Bronx against the hosting New York Yankees and left-hander Carlos Rodon, serving as the designated hitter and batting sixth. Heim was pulled early from Wednesday's 4-3 loss at Yankee Stadium with a compressed nerve in his right hand, but he's obviously feeling good enough to hit a day later. Imaging on the 29-year-old backstop's hand came back negative, but he's not ready to play defense quite yet. Heim has actually had reverse splits so far in 2025, batting .316 (12-for-38) with two of his six home runs in 42 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers, although he won't have an easy matchup on Thursday against Rodon. Heim is hitless in just one career at-bat against Rodon.

Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (hand) left the game with a compressed nerve in his throwing hand after injuring it on a swing in the second inning. Although he initially was set to stay in the game, he left after it was too painful to throw the ball back to the pitcher. There's no word yet on whether this could require a trip to the injured list or if it's more of a day-to-day matter, but expect an update after the game. Heim has been enjoying a solid season up until this point, as he launched his sixth home run of the year last night.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager and catcher Jonah Heim will both retreat to the bench for Thursday's series finale at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox. Josh Smith will handle shortstop and hit leadoff, while Tucker Barnhart will do the catching and hit ninth against Red Sox right-hander Brayan Bello. Since returning from the injured list on May 3, Seager has gone 5-for-19 with a double, three RBI and four runs scored in four games played. The five-time All-Star and two-time World Series MVP has hit a respectable .281 (27-for-96) this year with four homers and nine RBI. Heim gets a breather after starting in each of the team's last 11 games. He's getting more playing time now with Kyle Higashioka (intercostal) on the IL and has taken advantage of it. Smith, who is hitting over .300 in 99 at-bats, will be a DFS sleeper on Thursday in the leadoff spot against Bello.