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Saturday night was another prime example of why the Texas Rangers must add another starting pitcher to the rotation for the stretch run of the MLB season. While another bat in the line-up is a necessity for Texas, manager Ron Washington must have another reliable pitcher he can send out there every fifth day. With a roster depleted by injuries, Washington has done what is needed to keep the team afloat. Injuries to Matt Harrison, Alexi Ogando and Colby Lewis have caused Washington to piece together a rotation.
Texas has had to use rookies Justin Grimm and Nick Tepesch, while relief pitcher Ross Wolf has also been inserted into the starting rotation at times. This was the case on Saturday night when Ross pitched against the Baltimore Orioles. Wolf had a night to forget as well, giving up seven runs on nine hits and two walks in just over two innings as Texas fell 7-4 to Baltimore. Coming into the game, his ERA was 2.14. After the game, it ballooned to 3.79. Allowing 11 of the 16 batters faced to reach base caused him to be pulled from the game.
This is why it’s important for the Rangers to add another starting pitcher to the rotation. Reports had surfaced on Friday that Texas was close to acquiring Matt Garza from the Chicago Cubs. Rumors are surfacing now that the deal might be slowing down due to medical problems for one of the prospects in the deal. Whether it’s Garza or someone else, Texas has to do something and they need to do it fast. Much like 2010 when Texas pulled off the unbelievable trade to get Cliff Lee, they must do something similar to land another arm to compliment Yu Darvish and Derek Holland. If they don’t, expect more outings like Saturday night from the rotation — short and long.
Greg Higgins is a MLB contributor for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter: @greghiggins457, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
