One name in the mix for the Texas Rangers' wide-open pitching rotation is Alexi Ogando, a name we've said all along belongs in the Rangers' bullpen as an electric, lockdown reliever in the late innings. He's done that before, in 2010 and 2012. In 2011 and 2013, Ogando struggled to stay healthy and struggled with efficiency despite making the all-star game in 2011 as a starter before hitting a wall in the season's second half.
This spring, Ogando has struggled and hasn't helped his case to be a starter. The only problem is, he might have to be one, at least temporarily, while the Rangers wait for reinforcements.
Ogando is set to start a split-squad game on Tuesday night against the Chicago Cubs and needs much better results than what he's gotten so far this spring. In 8 1/3 innings of work, Ogando has allowed 14 hits and is sporting an 8.64 ERA in three spring starts.
