Texas Rangers Ink Joe Saunders to a Deal

Aug 26, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Joe Saunders (23) pitches to the Texas Rangers during the 1st inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Ranger have agreed to a major league deal with left-handed pitcher Joe Saunders, multiple sources are confirming.

Saunders gets a major-league deal. rangers have a great team but need to shore up Nos. 4/5 spots.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 4, 2014

#Rangers expected to add LHP Joe Saunders to pitching competition: http://t.co/bKk3yxAHUw
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) March 4, 2014

The Texas Rangers have some question marks when it comes to the number four and number five starters, and having Joe Saunders on the club, if healthy, may help with that. I say may because of this tweet earlier:

1-7, 8.58 ERA at the Globe. @drewdavison: Source confirms #Rangers, Joe Saunders close to deal. Will be major-league deal when completed.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) March 4, 2014

Regardless of his record at the Globe though, the Rangers hope that Joe Saunders will be able to shore up one of the last two remaining spots in this rotation and make everyone feel a little more comfortable about the pitching going forward. Saunders was 11-16 with a 5.26 ERA in 183 innings pitched for the Mariners last year. Joe Saunders will add depth to the spring training competition that is beginning to heat up, especially with Matt Harrison being behind and Alexi Ogando pitching so badly so far.

You know the old saying, if you can’t beat them, join them? We all remember Joe Saunders is the guy that defeated the Texas Rangers in the first every American League Wild Card game. For now we can know him as the guy that the Rangers signed to help the rotation. I am looking forward to seeing him pitch in camp to see what he looks like.

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