Michael Kirkman re-signed to minor-league deal

The Texas Rangers non-tendered pitcher Michael Kirkman during the first of December making him a free-agent.  But, he wasn’t on the market very long because the Rangers signed him to a minor-league contract with an invite to spring training.  Kirkman has managed to have at least some time with the Rangers in each of the past seasons and has seen some ups and downs.

Last season he had a 1.59 ERA over 12 games/5.2 innings pitched.  That was a lot better than his 8.18 ERA he posted during the 2013 season over 25 games/22.0 innings.   Kirkman could be another lefty that the Texas Rangers add to the bullpen some point during the season.  He doesn’t use up a lot of innings and never really has in his career.  In my opinion I doubt he’ll start off with the Rangers on the 25-man Opening day roster, unless he really shines during spring training.  The Rangers should hope that lefty Robbie Ross is able to bounce back and become the specialist they had thought he would be after his amazing start in 2012.

Overall Kirkman is still a good pitcher and has potential still to figure out how to correct a few things.  He’s only 28 and for the most part has been healthy throughout his career.  Maybe this season is the year he figures it out and gets more playing time.  Also, hopefully he’ll be playing on a Texas Rangers team that is competing for a playoff spot instead of looking for players to just eat up innings.

Video: Mike Kirkman on his progress back in 2013

Rangers pitcher Mike Kirkman talks about his performance in their loss against the Mariners and his progress this spring

Kirkman was acquired by the Rangers during the 2005 amateur draft in the 5th round.