Any baseball fan will says that it’s hard not to imagine themselves being in the game. This is especially true when it comes to the pitchers mound. Picture being sequestered with your teammates beyond one of the outfield fences. The game is getting tense, and there is a very real possibility that you’ll get the call to get some crucial outs to help the team’s cause late in the game. The phone rings, your number is called, and you begin warming up. Then the manager steps out of the dugout and touches his arm, thus making the signal that you’re in. There’s no other feeling like it. With that visual, here is a look at the Texas Rangers bullpen heading into 2021.
Right-handers
The righties on the 40-man roster include Brett de Geus, Demarcus Evans, Joe Gatto, Jimmy Herget, and Jonathan Hernandez. Another name to keep Rangers fans talking is closer Jose Leclerc. Leclerc’s appearances have been up and down during his time with the Rangers, but he has proven to be solid.
They are hoping that he’ll have a productive season in 2021 as he only made two appearances out of the bullpen last year, spanning an inning apiece. His time was cut short due to a shoulder injury. In those two innings, he complied an earned run average of 4.50 with one save, and three strikeouts. Tyler Phillips and Yerry Rodriguez are also expected to compete for spots in the pen.
Left-Handers
Managing lefty against righty matchups and vice-versa really is an art form in professional baseball. Up until recent years, at all levels, chess match between opposing mangers was not uncommon. Now however, the three-batter-minimum rule is in effect. Therefore, the situational lefty role is pretty much gone, but they are still important to have in the bullpen. This year, the Rangers have plenty of left-handed candidates for their staff. They include John King, Brett Martin, Joely Rodriguez, Taylor Hearn, and Brock Burke. Wes Benjamin could also be slotted into the bullpen if he does not make the cut for the Rangers starting rotation. It should be a very interesting spring training.
Roster Far From Final
Chances are that a lot of the aforementioned names will make the Opening Day roster, but there are still changes to be made. There will definitely be cuts. They have already made several moves the offseason, and fans could see some more trades and signings before Spring Training. Players will also be sent down to MiLB. It can be a very stressful thing for players and front office officials, but it needs to be done. It is hard to tell in January what the roster will look like in early April.
Speaking of Spring Training
Providing that everything goes according to plan and the pandemic allows, the Rangers will see a normal Spring Training. At this point, things are still unclear as to reporting dates for the Rangers’ pitchers and catchers are still to be announced. The same goes for position players. Once everything falls into place, hopefully they can get started. So for the time being, all players and fans can do is wait.
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