Sam Dyson's role as the Texas Rangers' closer should be in jeopardy after blowing his third save opportunity of the young 2017 season.
The Rangers took a 7-6 lead into the ninth inning against the Mariners in Seattle Sunday before Dyson gave up two runs on three hits — despite none leaving the infield — and two walks (one was intentional).
Dyson has blown his only two other save opportunities of the season. He gave up five runs against the Cleveland Indians April 5 and blew a 5-2 lead against the Angles April 11.
"We can't continue to lose ballgames in this manner," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said after the April 11 loss. "We'll look at all our opportunities and see where we can go."
In six 2017 appearances, Dyson has given up 13 earned runs on 14 hits and five walks for an unsightly ERA of 27.00. Opposing batters are hitting .538 against him.
In 2016, Dyson saved 38 games in 43 opportunities with an ERA of 2.43. He had a 2.39 strikeout-walk ratio (0.33 this season) and a 2.71 groundout-flyout ratio (1.00 this season).
Matt Bush is the most likely option to replace Dyson as closer. In 62 appearances with the Rangers, Bush sports a 2.58 ERA, a 4.60 strikeout-walk ratio and a .532 opposing OPS.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
Another option could be 23-year-old Jose Leclerc, who profiles as a typical closer with a 97-mph fastball and devastating slider. He walked too many batters as a rookie in 2016, but he's shown much better control this season.
