When the Texas Rangers lost starting pitcher Colby Lewis to a torn flexor tendon in July, it signaled the likely end of his tenure in Texas as he was set to be a free agent following the 2012 season. But the Rangers took a gamble on their "Mr. Reliability", the rock of their starting staff over the past three seasons, by offering him a one-year deal for $2 million for 2013.
Lewis was expected to be back in perhaps July with the opportunity to rebuild his value on the market and perhaps cash in on a bigger deal following next season. But now he seems to be a bit ahead of schedule as the club is now saying he'll likely miss the season's first two months, which would have him returning in June.
Lewis made 16 starts in 2012, posting a 6-6 record with a 3.43 ERA with 93 strikeouts and 14 walks. He was really looking good before tearing the tendon in his pitching elbow.
Now, the presumption is that the Rangers will allow some of their younger arms — perhaps Martin Perez or Robbie Ross — to take Lewis' spot in the rotation for the first two months of the season before he returns to fill out the Rangers' rotation. If he's healthy and ready to roll, it could serve as a free mid-season "acquisition".
