Texas Rangers Acquire Knuckleballer From Rays

The Texas Rangers mission to add pitching depth continues this off-season. As the Rangers add another pitcher to their staff this time a veteran knuckleballer.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers have agreed on a deal that sends pitcher Eddie Gamboa to the Rangers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Rays recently designated Gamboa for assignment to open up a spot on their roster.

Gamboa made his Major League debut in 2016, going 0-2 1.35 ERA in seven games with the Rays. The 31-year-old spent eight seasons in the minor leagues before making his debut in 2016. Gamboa spent most of his career as a starting pitcher.

He pitched all seven games with the Rays out of the bullpen. Gamboa could make a successful career out of being a knuckleball pitcher. Many knuckleball pitchers can pitch well into their 40’s due to the fact they usually have less fatigue and arm issues.

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Pitchers that throw 95-100 mph usually have more elbow and shoulder issues. Gamboa is a pitcher that works with a much lower velocity and focuses on command of the strike zone. The veteran righty could be an interesting addition to the Rangers bullpen.

The Rangers already have plenty of hard-throwing pitchers. A majority of Major League relief pitchers can throw 95 mph or faster. Having a successful knuckleball pitcher could be huge for the Rangers bullpen.

Being able to put in a guy that throws 60-70 mph that after a 95 mph pitcher could completely throw off the opponent batters. Having the versatility of a knuckleball pitcher is a good advantage for the Rangers. Let’s see what Gamboa can bring to the team in 2017.