What to do with Joe Saunders

Mar 11, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Joe Saunders (47) throws in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Saunders wants to get back to the big leagues with the Texas Rangers, and he is not interested in being a relief pitcher, according to Richard Durrett of ESPN Dallas.

"“For me it’s all about starting and helping this team win games as a starter,” said Saunders… “It’s what I signed to do and what they signed me to do.”"

Right now the Texas Rangers rotation is reeling behind Yu Darvish, and even he had a rough start against Oakland last week. Martin Perez and Robbie Ross look great at times but they also look lost at times, and Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison are still getting their feet wet after not starting for at least a year.

So what should the Texas Rangers do about Joe Saunders, who threw 66 pitches over four innings in a rehab start for Frisco? He is dead set on not relieving. They could move Robbie Ross back to the pen, but I think he deserves a least a few more starts after showing flashes of brilliance in the first 5 weeks of the season. Martin Perez isn’t going anywhere yet, and Colby and Matt are going to stay.

Saunders would be a great long man, but I have the feeling that the Texas Rangers are going to be counting on Joe Saunders experience to help a team that is struggling to throw quality strikes right now and put him back in the rotation. My fear is that will crush the spirit of Robbie Ross, and he will not pitch well in the bull pen for a few weeks after the move is made.

The Texas Rangers only other option would be to release Joe Saunders, and you know that if they did he would somehow sign with the Athletics and have an amazing season. We will have to wait and see, but I think we should all get used to the idea of Joe Saunders back in the Texas Rangers rotation sooner rather than later. I sure hope I am wrong.