Robbie Ross Update (Dominican Winter League)

Jun 1, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Robbie Ross (46) is met on the mound by pitching coach Mike Maddux (31) and catcher A.J. Pierzynski (12) during a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. The Royals won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The left handed Texas Ranger pitcher Robbie Ross exploded on the scene in 2012. The young 24 year old pitcher in the reliever spot quickly racked up 6 wins in that season. Known as the “teeth” the left hander was basically unhittable his first season. The lefty features mainly a fastball and a slider. He mainly throws his fastball in the low ’90s.

In 2013, Ross took a bit of a slide after the all-star break. He struggled from game to game, and saw reduced playing time and in key situations. Robbie Ross finished the 2013 season with an ERA of 3.03 over 62.1 innings. He recorded 58 strikes and 19 walks.

At the end of May, Robbie Ross had a 0.37 ERA, which was the lowest for any reliever in the American League.

The issues came in near the end of the season in hold situations. Ross failed to hold games and allowed several untimely hits. Over his last 10 games in the regular season, Robbie Ross had an ERA of 5.40 over 8.1 innings. This wasn’t the same Ross fans saw in 2012 or the first half of the 2013 season.

The main issue for Ross in the second half has been locating his pitches.

Ross is getting in some extra playing time this offseason in the Dominican Winter League with teammate Neftali Feliz.

Robbie Ross, who started the game, in his first outing in the Dominican Winter League was far from stellar. In his first game playing with Toros, Ross only recorded one out, allowed 4 hits, 2 walks and 4 earned runs. The 4 singles Ross allowed dug Toros in a 4 run hole and Ross took the loss. After only recording one out, Ross started the Dominican Winter League with an ERA of 108.00. That’s about as sky high as an ERA can get.

Ross did manage to get more than one out in out in his second game. In his second start Ross managed to complete 3 innings and only allowed 1 hit, 1 earned run and recorded 3 strikeouts and walked 1.

After 2 starts, Ross reduced his sky high ERA down to 13.50.

Ross should get several more starts to this offseason. Ross should bring down his ERA more and be able to regain his former self.

When he does, he’ll be more than ready for Spring Training in Arizona.

Ron Washington and the Texas Rangers gave Robbie Ross a chance at the start of the 2012 season, will he be back in the bullpen at the start of the 2014 season?

Updated:

Robbie Ross started another game on November 9th for Toros del Este against  Aguilas Cibaenas.  Again, this was another solid start.  Ross pitched 5 innings allowing only 3 hits, 1 strikeout, 1 walk and no runs.  After that outing, his sky high ERA has dropped to 5.40.  Ross managed to get 8 ground outs, and a few pop flies.  Great bounce back for the young lefty.