If you’re a Major League Baseball player, you’re doing something that very few human beings get to do. Whether you’re in the majors for 20 years, or 20 hours, it is a very special time. While the numbers may not be quite in his favor, Texas Rangers righty Glenn Otto has left an impression with Rangers fans this year. His cup of coffee, as they say, in the show should at least be extended until the end of the season. He’ll likely be competing for a spot in spring training, come 2022. Until then, let’s take a deeper look at Glenn Otto.
Strong Debut
Otto made his debut on August 27th against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Unfortunately, the Rangers lost that game by a final score of 5-4. Otto pitched five impressive innings. He gave up only two hits. He didn’t walk anybody, and he struck out seven Astros. In fact, that night he became just the sixth player in Rangers history to record seven or more strikeouts in his major league debut. He would get a no-decision for his effort that evening. It’s enough of an ego boost to pitch that kind of game when you’ve been in the Majors for an extended period of time. It’s even better when you throw like that in your major league debut. Even though the Rangers didn’t come away with a win that night, it was still a step forward.
Up and Down Since
Since his start on August 27th, Otto has come back down to Earth. In the following weeks, the 25-year-old has pitched in four games. While he hasn’t produced any wins, he has been a good presence for the Rangers. Otto currently holds a record of 0-3 on the 2021 campaign. In 21 1/3 innings, he has an earned run average of 8.02. He has walked seven batters, and struck out 26 in that stretch. One piece of good news is that he hasn’t let the long ball get to him. In his time in the show, he has only given up two home runs. One of the reasons that the Rangers might be keeping him around is the recent departure of fellow right-hander Kohei Arihara. The Rangers designated Arihara for assignment on September 19th.
The Finish Line
Otto’s latest start was on September 23rd against the Baltimore Orioles. Even though he got the loss, he still pitched well. He went five innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits. One of those hits was a home run. He walked one, and just like his debut, he struck out seven. With a little over a week in the season, the finish line is in sight.
Alongside starters Dane Dunning and Mike Foltynewicz, it should be a very interesting week for Otto and the Rangers. After their four-game series against Baltimore, they only have six games left on the schedule. They return to Arlington on September 28th. During their final homestand, they will face the Los Angeles Angels and the Cleveland Indians. Interestingly enough, it will be the Indians’ final series as the Indians before they change their name to the Guardians in the 2022 season.
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