Rangers Likely Standing Pat With Pitching

The Texas Rangers' pitching staff is full of holes and full of questions.

As of now, the one sure bet with absolutely no doubt in the Rangers' projected starting rotation is Yu Darvish, who is an ace that not all clubs have and by all accounts is ready to be just that again while once again vying for the AL Cy Young award after a second-place finish in 2013.

After that, it's all up in the air with Derek Holland's injury that's expected to keep him out until around the all-star break, if not later. Also, Matt Harrison, who made just two starts in 2013 as the Opening Day starter, is back in DFW now getting his surgically repaired back examined. Martin Perez is coming off a breakout half-season in 2013 and has all kinds of potential but no real track record of sustained success.

Alexi Ogando is better as a reliever, Colby Lewis is trying to pitch in the bigs for the first time since 2012, and the Rangers brought in Tommy Hanson on a minor-league deal.

But even with the new uncertainty surrounding Harrison, the Rangers appear to be ready to stand pat instead of giving money to outside guys like Ervin Santana or Paul Maholm, and that's probably a relatively sound strategy.

By all accounts, Lewis has looked great in his two live batting practice sessions and has reported no discomfort in his arm or hip, which was resurfaced late in the 2013 season. If the Rangers can get good stuff out of Lewis and somehow get a healthy Harrison, they'll be just fine, but if neither of those work out they can always go get someone after the season starts or via trade before the July 31 deadline.

So sit tight, Rangers fans.

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