Justin Germano under performs in first outing

Mar 5, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Justin Germano (67)throws to the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of their spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Arlington, Texas – The last time Texas Rangers RHP Justin Germano pitched in majors was May 1, 2013 against the Boston Red Sox when he was with the Toronto Blue Jays.  That outing didn’t go so well for him and yesterday day’s outing for the Texas Rangers didn’t go so well.

Last year against Boston Germano pitched in 2 innings of relief and 6 hits and 2 runs against the Red Sox.  He had about the same results last night against the Red Sox again.  The Texas Rangers at the time of his appearance was in a tight game down 3-6 against the Sox.

When Germano started the inning, it appeared the was mainly throwing his sinker which was clocked around 86 – 88 MPH, which is supposed to be his best pitch.  He did sprinkle in a few curveballs and changeup and didn’t throw a single fastball.  Germano did manage to get Red Sox David Ross to popup.   He managed to get ahead of the count to Will Middlebrooks, but on a 2-2 count hit pitched just a bit too inside and hit him on the hands.

After the David Ross quick out, Germano seemed to struggle after that.  It could be because he was distracted after hitting Middlebrooks.   Jackie Bradly Jr. and Dustin Pedroia singled followed by a sac fly by Shane Victorino to tack on two more runs in the 8, which put the game out of reach for the Rangers.

Maybe if it wasn’t for hitting Middlebrooks Germano could have managed to pitch a scoreless inning. The bad thing for Germano he didn’t appear to have is best stuff or his best stuff wasn’t enough to contain the Red Sox.

Justin Germano only pitched one game last year, that could be his only game with the Rangers this year.  But, if you know how Ron Washington works, then it would be a surprise if Germano gets a chance to redeem himself.  With an offense that tends to sputter at times, the Rangers need relievers can them in the game.  Right now, it doesn’t seem Justin Germano can do that.