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Shawn Tolleson Still Waiting For Spring Training Debut

By Kenneth Nash

Feb 21, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Shawn Tolleson (37) throws during a workout at Surprise Stadium Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Shawn Tolleson (37) throws during a workout at Surprise Stadium Practice Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas Rangers closer, Shawn Tolleson has yet to pitch in a Spring Training game this season.

The Texas Rangers initial plan for Shawn Tolleson was for him to make his Spring Training debut yesterday in a B game against the Chicago White Sox, however Tolleson was transitioned into throwing batting practice instead.

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Tolleson has been dealing with lower back spasms this spring which has kept him off the mound and out of game situations so far this March. He’s pitched a few flat ground bullpens and has thrown off the mound some but Texas is still hesitant to put him in. Tolleson has had injury issues in the past and this year marks the second straight Spring Training he’s missed time. In 2015, Tolleson had a strained forearm muscle that limited him to only 5 innings of work in exhibition games before the start of the season.

Tolleson still believes that there is plenty of time for him to get back on track before the start of the season and expects to be ready to go come Opening Day. Assuming Tolleson is ready to pitch when the first game of 2016 rolls around, he is the planned closer in the Ranger bullpen. Last season, his first as a closer, he had 35 saves in 37 attempts and posted a 2.99 ERA with a 9.5 strikeout total per 9 innings.

If Tolleson continues to have issues, the Rangers may have to turn to somebody else to be their full-time closer. Check in Sunday afternoon to see who what I think of the Texas Rangers closer situation.

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