The Texas Rangers, Oakland A's and San Diego Padres all opened the season with 10 straight games, the maximum amount of games a team can play on consecutive days per the league's CBA, and on Thursday, all three teams are finally enjoying an off-day.
But the Rangers aren't only enjoying this day off as they travel to Seattle, they need it and need it in a big way.
The lineup has several guys struggling horribly and a day off could give them a mental refresher to help get things rolling, but no one needs this day more than the Rangers' bullpen.
So far this year, the Rangers' bullpen has worked 39-plus innings in 10 games. That pace isn't going to cut it, as we learned last year when the bullpen was really solid for a month or two before the calendar hit June and they were simply worn out.
They had another long day on Wednesday when spot starter Anthony Ranaudo lasted just 1 2/3 innings and long man Anthony Bass was forced to pitch 3 2/3 innings after pitching five innings on Friday when Derek Holland left after one inning with his shoulder injury.
It's going to be a nice day for everyone, may we suggest a nice spa day?
