Robbie Ross Shines in Last Spring Start

March 8, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Robbie Ross (46) pitches the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Goodyear, Arizona – The Texas Rangers were looking for someone to claim on of the last two rotation spots still in question, and Robbie Ross did just that yesterday in my opinion. Robbie Ross went seven shut out innings and struck out eight on route to a 5-0 win.

"“I just tried to go out and do the best I could,” Ross said of his spring according to texasrangers.com. “It ended up pretty good. I had a bunch of guys making plays behind me.”"

Ross was able to induce three inning ending double plays. If he was trying to impress, he did.

"“He’s still out there. He is one of five,” Ron Washington said. “He’s done nothing to change that. He has been doing everything. That was some of the best stuff I’ve seem from him pitching as long as I’ve been watching him pitching. What he has done is outstanding. You can’t ask anything more than what he has done.” (texasrangers.com)"

Ross has been the Texas Rangers best starting candidate this spring, post a 1.27 ERA in 21.1 innings pitched. He also struck out 13 this spring. Robbie Ross has been a starter in the minors before, unlike Tanner Scheppers. I think both have a good chance at making a difference early for the Texas Rangers.

Another guy that solidified his spot on the team yesterday (I actually believe that he already had a spot) is Michael Choice with yet another clutch hit, this time a three run shot. Choice is not batting .367 with four home-runs this spring. Final decisions should be made today on where everyone will wind up.