Premature Evaluations: The Texas Rangers Starting Rotation

Apr 2, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Robbie Ross (46) throws a pitch in the first inning of the game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Through three games and obviously three starts, the Texas Rangers starting rotation is second to last in RA/G (runs allowed per game). That is the bad news. The good news is that the only team worse than the Texas Rangers in that category is the Angels. The Texas Rangers are allowing 6.33 runs per game (baseball reference) while the Angels are allowing 8.67. But that does not tell the whole story.

Tanner Scheppers really ruined it for everyone. The combined ERA of the three pitchers is 7.51, but if you take out Scheppers 15.75, it goes down to 3.39. So really opening day is the reason that it is so high for the Texas Rangers right now. The starters have also averaged 4.2 innings per start, and none of them have made it through the sixth innings yet. But it is the first time through the rotation, and both Martin Perez and Robbie Ross had quality starts. They have struck out 16 in three games while walking just 5.

I also used the eyeball test. While Scheppers kept everything up, Perez and Ross really seemed to have control of the strike zone for the most part. I felt comfortable watching both Perez and Ross pitch, it looked like to me that they both had very good control. I think that the next start for Scheppers will be a big one, and I hope that he and Robbie Ross talk and that Scheppers learns from Robbie’s first start. I believe that Sheppers has the ability to be a good starter, but I am not sure about his confidence at this point. Then again, he only pitched 4.0 inning so far this season.

I am sure I will feel obligated to re-evaluate the rotation after the last three starters go (Joe Saunders Friday, Nick Martinez Saturday and Yu Darvish Sunday), but for now, here is my evaluation of the rotation. I will also cover the bull pen and offense before tomorrow nights game. Be sure to follow us on twitter and like us on facebook. Thanks!