Ryan Expects Oswalt To Be More Consistent In Second Half

Through four starts as a member of the Texas Rangers, Roy Oswalt is 2-1 with a 6.26 ERA and a .385 opposing batting average. Obviously, these aren’t pretty numbers, but team president (and something of an expert on pitching in the Major Leagues) Nolan Ryan believes Oswalt will be better in the second half.

In an appearance on ESPN Radio 103.3 FM’s “Galloway and Company” this week, Ryan told his hosts that he had noticed an improvement in Oswalt from his first start with the team, on June 22nd, and now.

In his last start before the break, and arguably his best thus far with the Rangers, Oswalt went 5 2/3 innings against Minnesota on Sunday night, scattering five hits and just one run and picking up a no-decision.

“I saw Roy throwing the ball more where he wanted it and keeping the ball down,” Ryan said, via the Dallas Morning News. “I think if there were things in his delivery that he was unhappy with, I think they were minor adjustments. I didn't see anything that was concerning to me except that he was very inconsistent in commanding pitches. And I think at this point in his career his command is very important to him. Him being more consistent with his command, and maybe have a better angle on his fastball.

“My expectation is to see Roy be more consistent than he has been with the Rangers.”