There is no question that up-and-down starter/reliever Robbie Ross earned the chance to get another start for the Texas Rangers if that's his ultimate desire as a pitcher. And it seems that is what he wants to do long term, so it appears he'll get that chance at another start after he tossed five no-hit innings in his last outing after being called up against Houston.
In order to get Ross another start, as well as keeping everyone else in place in the rotation, the Rangers will go to a six-man rotation, at least temporarily.
Of course, before he went on the disabled list, Rangers ace Yu Darvish was a proponent of the six-man rotation that is used in Japan to help alleviate stress on starters' arms. On the surface, it seems like a great idea, but it isn't. The main concern would be needing to use a roster spot on a sixth starter and pay a sixth starter, as starting pitchers are some of the highest-paid players on any roster.
Rangers manager Ron Washington said he is not thinking about going to the idea full-time and it's just a short thing, but don't be shocked if it lasts through the final 20-something games of the season. The extra rest would be nice for everyone with nothing on the line down the stretch.
“We’re going to go with it right now through the off day and then revisit,” Washington said. “We are trying to give guys as much rest as we possibly can. Going to a six-man rotation is not something we’ve sat down and discussed. We will see what happens after the day off.”
