The Rangers are now 14-4 this month after Sunday’s 5-4 win in St. Louis. They now have the best record in the American League at 45-25, building an 8 ½ game lead over Seattle in the A.L. West.
One of the main reasons for their ascension is the pitching and the Rangers may be getting more of it.
Starter A.J. Griffin, sidelined since May 8 due to a shoulder injury, pitched five innings in his rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Sunday. The right-hander struck out seven while allowing three hits and one earned run on 77 pitches, getting a no-decision in the Roughriders 5-4 loss to Midland in 12 innings. It was his third rehab start with Frisco.
So the question now centers around whether Griffin will be back in the Arlington this week. The Rangers have an off-day on Thursday, which could lead to Griffin returning to the rotation afterwards. He could be plugged into the No. 5 spot in the rotation, which has been shuffled around due to the absence of Yu Darvish.
It could be an interesting move. The Rangers are 8-3 in games started this season by those plugged into the fifth spot: Griffin, Nick Martinez and Cesar Ramos. Martinez is currently scheduled to start Friday in Arlington against Boston and was solid in his start on Saturday against the Cardinal.
It appears to be a decision that the Rangers will be patient with. You can never have enough pitching, so the Rangers are in a good spot at the moment.
