Rangers' 5th Starter Will Most Likely Be Named Nick

Less than two weeks before the season opener and the Rangers’ pitching rotation is becoming more clear. Not necessarily better, but clearer.

With the assignment of pitchers Chi Chi Gonzalez to the minors on Tuesday, it appears that the battle for the 5th starter’s job is now between Nick’s Tepesch and Martinez.

Gonzalez, 23, had a promising spring including a five-inning, two-run outing against the Reds this week. He was 1-0 with a 3.95 ERA and 16 strikeouts in 13.2 innings, and remains one of the top young arms in the organization. But now isn’t his time. Yet.

The loss of Yu Darvish at the top has made room for a starter at the bottom. The first four pitchers seem set with Derek Holland, Yovani Gallardo, Colby Lewis and Ross Detwiler. Until – or if – Matt Harrison or Martin Perez recover from injuries, Martinez has the edge on Tepesch.

With a lackluster spring, it doesn’t appear that former Red Sox pitcher Anthony Ranaudo will make a run at the rotation.
 

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.

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