Jon Gray Dazzles in Rangers Loss to Diamondbacks
The Texas Rangers dropped another Cactus League exhibition game on Wednesday as they fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-0. The Rangers now sit at 6-8 in their spring campaign.
With most of the regulars on both sides getting a day off for rest, there was little to be excited about aside from a few performances from prospects and players vying to make the 26-man roster.
Middle infielder Ezequiel Duran notched a hit as he continues to impress this spring.
Mitch Garver put one in play, a good sign from the catcher who may start the 2023 MLB season at designated hitter as he continues to recover from surgery on the flexor tendon in his right arm.
And outfielder Robbie Grossman, despite striking out twice, had a nice double as he continues his strong Cactus League. Grossman very well could be the Opening Day left fielder.
The real eye-catcher was starter Jon Gray, who absolutely dazzled. Gray pitched 3 innings, allowed just one hit, a double and struck out one en route to a scoreless outing.
Perhaps more impressive was the fact he was sitting 93-95 mph on his fastball and looked comfortable. He mixed in some of his off-speed pitches and worked with efficiency. It was an easy 33-pitch outing for the veteran who is slated to be the team's third or fourth pitcher in the rotation.
Joe Barlow also looked solid on the mound during the fifth inning. He didn't allow a run, recorded a strikeout and gave up just one hit. Barlow will likely be used in the middle relief role, much as he was utilized on Wednesday, therefore seeing this type of performance from him is encouraging.
Brock Burke was the only other pitcher to take the mound that will likely earn a spot in the bullpen for Texas come March 30.
His outing wasn't as clean as he may have hoped. The first run of the day from the Diamondbacks came off of a Lourdes Gurriel Jr. single that scored Jake Hager from second following his double.
The left-hander did bounce back nicely and struck out first baseman Christian Walker to end the sixth inning.
The alarm bells should not yet be sounding on Burke, or any player for that matter, just yet. It's still early and the plan in place for these players to ramp up is continuing to go smoothly.
The Rangers will return to Cactus League action on Friday against the Oakland Athletics following an off day on Thursday. First pitch is slated for 2:05 p.m. CT.
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