Inside The Rangers

Texas Rangers Bullpen Options If Can't Swing Deadline Trade

The Texas Rangers have three pitchers in the minor leagues who continue to excel in relief roles.
Matthew Postins|
Frisco RoughRiders

In this story:

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers know they have some issues in their bullpen, even though the bullpen came out of the Toronto series having allowed just one earned run.

The Athletic reported last week that the Rangers “fully intend” to add to their bullpen before the trade deadline on Aug. 1.

But what if Rangers general manager Chris Young’s plans fall through? The team could have options at Triple-A Round Rock and Double-A Frisco.

Dipping into the relief help at Round Rock has already worked once this season. The addition of Grant Anderson has given the whole unit some juice, as he is 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA and is almost unhittable (.111) against right-handed pitching.

Right now, the Express have two relievers coming off great weeks who, like Anderson, have had quality seasons in 2023.

Right-hander Chase Lee, who would give the Rangers a unique arm angle, struck out five in two innings for the Express against El Paso. He’s 3-1 with a 3.22 ERA in 24 games, with three saves and one hold. He’s struck out 51 and walked 14 in 36 1/3 innings. But in his last 17 innings, he’s struck out 26 and allowed just two earned runs.

Jake Latz, a left-hander, got the save on Sunday and struck out three in the process. While he’s 1-2 with a 7.30 ERA in 21 games (three starts). While batters are hitting .308 off him, he’s struck out 46 and walked 12 this season. He’s struck out nine and allowed an earned run in his last four outings.

Down at Frisco there’s Alex Speas. He struck out three for the RoughRiders on Sunday and lowered his ERA to 0.72. The right-hander is 2-0 this season in 21 games with two saves and three holds. He’s struck out 42 and walked 12.

The Rangers could lean on these minor-league options if they’re unable to swing a trade or if a current reliever gets hurt.

More From SI’s Inside The Rangers:

  1. Texas Rangers New Nike City Connect Jersey Pay Homage to Dallas-Fort Worth
  2. Texas Rangers in Play to Sing Shohei Ohtani
  3. Arlington Mayor Says Rougned Odor ‘Punch’ Mural to Stay
  4. Texas Rangers Clubhouse ‘Insane’ Says Reliever
  5. No Pride in Texas, Rangers Lone Team Without Pride Night
  6. MLB, Texas Rangers Win Bally Sports Broadcast Suit
  7. AL West is 'Ours,' Not Astros Says Texas Rangers First Baseman
  8. Derek Holland Making Baseball Comeback
  9. Bally Sports Southwest to Televise Nearly All Rangers Games
  10. 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. 

Published
Matthew Postins
MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers Major League Baseball for OnSI. He also covers the Big 12 Conference for Heartland College Sports.

Share on XFollow postinspostcard
Home/News