Rangers righty Edinson Volquez pitched in a game setting for the first time in nearly 20 months Wednesday, and while he was tagged for four runs in an inning of work against the Cubs, there were nonetheless signs of encouragement, writes Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Volquez’s first pitch clocked in at 95 mph, and he immediately followed it with a 96 mph heater before eventually running that fastball up to 97 mph. “That’s about as happy as I’ve ever been after a four spot,” new manager Chris Woodward said in reference to Volquez’s day.
The Rangers originally inked Volquez to a two-year minor league contract following the 2017 season, knowing full well that he’d miss all of the 2018 campaign due to Tommy John surgery. Texas selected his contract in advance of the deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft this season and will be counting on him, along with holdover Mike Minor and new additions Drew Smyly, Lance Lynn and Shelby Miller, to comprise the team’s rotation early in the season.
Here’s a look at some spring scenarios around the AL West…
- With the out-of-options Tony Kemp and Tyler White in line to make the Astros’ Opening Day roster, Houston seems likely to carry 13 position players and 12 pitchers, writes Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. That’s a departure from the norm for the organization in recent years but likely a necessity, as the ’Stros would need to risk exposing one of Kemp or White to waivers in order to send either player to the minor leagues. Neither player’s performance in 2018 merits a trip back to Triple-A anyhow. The 27-year-old Kemp hit .263/.351/.392 in just shy of 300 plate appearances with the Astros last season, seeing action at all three outfield spots and at second base. White, meanwhile, turned in a massive .276/.354/.533 line with 12 homers, 12 doubles and three triples in 237 trips to the plate. Currently, White figures to get the lion’s share of plate appearances in the Astros’ designated hitter role, though he can also fill in at either corner-infield position.
- Mariners camp in 2019 is filled with veterans who know they could be shipped out in trades at any moment, writes Larry Stone of the Seattle Times, who spoke to general manager Jerry Dipoto about how he manages a roster that is fully cognizant of that uncertainty. “Players generally do well when you tell them the truth,” said Dipoto in emphasizing that he’s been as up front as possible with veterans like Edwin Encarnacion and Jay Bruce (among others). Stone not only spoke with Dipoto, but Encarnacion, Bruce and Kyle Seager about the looming possibility of a trade to another club (be it now or during the regular season) and the manner in which they balance dealing with that knowledge and prepping for the 2019 season.
If this was the 2013 Texas Rangers Starting Rotation with Minor,Lynn,Volquez,Millerand Smyly I would say that’s a awesome staff. Good luck to the Rangers this year
to the Rangers this year
Same thing as last year tbh
There is more talent this year imo. These 5 guys have all been above average when healthy. Atleast 3 of them will have good seasons I’d bet
The Rangers are gonna surprise a few teams this year, I for one believe this could be a great pitching staff if healthy, we know we have the bats to compete, But we are all looking forward to spending crazy money and the new stadium in 2020.
Sorry rangers fan but this is a terrible rotation
The Rangers rotation is a low risk/cost hoping a few guys bounce back so they can flip them. Not a terrible idea for a team not trying to compete. No long term money tied into it.
best of luck to Volquez on his way back.
Except when facing my Halos ha ha.
I don’t think Texas really expects much from their rotation this season. The rebuild is underway….
The rotation is comprised of pitchers that can be flipped at the trade deadline for prospects.
I am predicting the Rangers to win about 75 games this year with that starting rotation…
Their whole rotation are full of TJS recipients, let’s see who get close to 100 innings first.
Not all that concerned about that. I’d say it’s not more concerning than having a rotation of guys who haven’t had TJ. In all honesty if you have 5 guys in your rotation who haven’t had TJ yet its most likely coming for one of them.
I didn’t know the Angels were mentioned in this article.
Yikes.
Texas signed 12 people to one year deals this year because they are saving money for next years spending spree and the new stadium, gotta save up lots of money for Mike Trout to come to Texas.
Teams don’t hold off spending when the new stadium is already under construction and will be ready to open the next season. If they know the revenue is coming, they build a team you’ll want to watch play.
The Rangers are not expecting to be able to legitimately build a winning team this year so they took a few long shots to make the salary look less embarrassing and hope they can catch a bunch of lightning in a bunch of different bottles.
Well what they’re doing says otherwise
Teams know they will sell tickets to a new stadium, regardless of the team. They will have to make the team the attraction after the novelty of the new stadium wears off, so they have a few years.
The rangers can’t just decide to be good. They could go out and sign $100 million dollars worth of guys for this year and they still probably wouldn’t beat the stros. They’re doing what is smart for their current roster. Add a bunch of ST pitching while their minor leaguers develop. Hopefully you get a couple flip candidates and can further bolster your system. If not you needed these arms to make it through the season anyway.
not true at all most teams can afford to slack off in spending for a few years when a new ballpark opens because the allure of the new stadium brings people in. example: Atlanta Braves