Michael Kirkman likely gone after another poor outing

March 19, 2014 – Surprise, Ariz – Last season wasn’t kind to Texas Rangers pitcher Michael Kirkman and spring training hasn’t been either. At one point, the Rangers saw promising signs from the him, but his last two outings have been disastrous. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Surprise, Ariz – Last season wasn’t kind to Texas Rangers pitcher Michael Kirkman and spring training hasn’t been either.  At one point, the Rangers saw promising signs from the him, but his spring training has been disastrous.

Kirkman pitched last night and was expected to pitch several innings, but wasn’t able to go more than 1 inning.  Kirkman started his day with a 4-pitch walk to Aramis Ramirez.  He did show signs of hope when he struck out the next batter, but Kirkman then delivered back-to-back 4-pitch walks.    After the 3 walks Kirkman then gave up a grand slam to Mark Reynolds.  It was not the outing Michael Kirkman wanted or needed so he could prove he deserved to make the 25-man roster.

2014 Spring Training Stats

• 4 games/9 innings
• 9 hits
• 7 earned runs
• 8 walks
• 10 strike outs
• 1.89 WHIP
• 7.00 ERA

At one point Kirkman looked like he would easily make the bullpen, and his name was tossed around as a starter, now it is unlikely he’ll make the team.   Last year the Rangers used him a few times, and he found little success.  Over 23 games/22 innings he recorded an ERA of 8.18, 15 walks and 25 strike outs.  He spent a majority of his time in the minors and also didn’t have his best season posting an ERA of 6.98 over 6 games/29.2 innings.   Kirkman missed the second half of the season due to recurrence of cutaneous lymphoma, a form of skin cancer, on his right arm.  The surgery and treatments were minimal, but he did miss the last half of the season.  He also used the time to prepare for the 2014 season and to refocus himself after a rough 2013 season.

Kirkman hasn’t done well in spring training, even with the extra time to prepare.  It seems very unlikely he’ll make the 25-man roster once the team breaks camp.

"Kirkman imploding. Rangers may have to consider parting ways."

Michael Kirkman is out of minor league options, which means the Texas Rangers will likely designate him for assignment soon.