It was considered to be one of roster’s strengths in the offseason, but began the 2016 season in shambles. And while the Rangers bullpen still ranks last in the American League in ERA, the problems seem to be mending quickly.
Since the call-up of reliever Matt Bush on May 13th, the 1-2-3 punch of Bush, Jake Diekman, and closer Sam Dyson consistently rolled out in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings by manager Jeff Banister, has allowed just four earned runs combined.
And reinforcements on the way should only help. The return of pitcher Keone Kela from injury is expected in a little more than a month, and should increase depth in the late innings. A.J. Griffin, who spent the first few weeks of the season as a starting pitcher filling in for Yu Darvish, could also be a valuable re-addition if General Manager Jon Daniels decides to try him out as a long-reliever or spot starter when he returns from a shoulder injury in the next few weeks.
It was shaky for the first few weeks, but just watching the Rangers bullpen work the last month has revealed obvious improvement. And it’s not a coincidence that with better relief pitching has come increased winning for Texas, with the Rangers now 12-3 in their last 15 games.
