Texas Rangers Bullpen Option Kyle Funkhouser Progressing
In this story:
ARLINGTON, Texas — Kyle Funkhouser could be another option for the Texas Rangers bullpen at some point this season.
The former Detroit Tigers reliever will likely head to Surprise, Ariz., no later than Sunday to continue his injury rehab, per manager Bruce Bochy.
Funkhouser threw batting practice Saturday to several Rangers at Globe Life Field before the team did infield and outfield work. Bochy and coaches were watching the right-hander, who could help the bullpen once he’s ready.
Right now, Funkhouser is exactly where the Rangers want him to be, in terms of recovery and building up to be a potential contributor this season.
“He looks good,” Bochy said. “He threw hard. He had a good, hard slider, a good change-up. He’s close.”
The plan is for Funkhouser to pitch in some extended spring games while in Surprise at the Spring Training facility. From there he would then head to a minor-league affiliate for a rehab assignment.
The Rangers signed Funkhouser to a minor-league contract in January knowing that it was possible he would need part of the 2023 season to rehab a surgically-repaired shoulder. He didn’t pitch in 2022.
Funkhouser is a former fourth-round pick of the Tigers who broke into the Majors in the COVID-shortened 2020 season. From 2020-21, he pitched in 70 games with a 4.20 ERA and one save.
More From SI’s Inside The Rangers:
- Texas Rangers New Nike City Connect Jersey Pay Homage to Dallas-Fort Worth
- Texas Rangers in Play to Sing Shohei Ohtani
- Arlington Mayor Says Rougned Odor ‘Punch’ Mural to Stay
- Texas Rangers Clubhouse ‘Insane’ Says Reliever
- Texas Rangers MVP in 2023?
- Predicting Texas Rangers 2023 Record
- Jose Altuve Injury Potentially Helps Texas Rangers Playoff Chances
- MLB Plan for Television Texas Rangers
- Bally Sports Southwest to Televise Nearly All Rangers Games
- Texas Rangers Unveil Exciting New Ballpark Food
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
