A look at RHP Justin Germano

Mar 5, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Justin Germano (67)throws to the Colorado Rockies in the sixth inning of their spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers made a flurry of roster changes this past Thursday before the Colorado Rockies game, one of those moves was purchasing the contract of Justin Germano from triple-A Round Rock Express.

Relief in the pen: First, why did the Texas Rangers bring up Germano?  With the recent struggles of Neal Cotts and Alexi Ogando, the bullpen needs some kind of relief.  Also, after the beating Ogando took this past Wednesday against the Colorado Rockies.  During that game, Ogando gave up 6 hits, 1 walk and 4 runs over 0.1 innings of work.  After that game, many wondered if the Rangers would place him on the disabled list.

I’ve been everywhere: Justin Germano isn’t new to the majors.  He has bounced around with in the majors spending time with 7 clubs over 8 years.   He’s been decent with the Round Rock Express this year over the 6 games he has started.  He has a record of 1-3 with an ERA of 3.41.   The advantage of bringing up Germano is he could serve a long reliever.  With the recent rocky starts by Robbie Ross Jr, Colby Lewis and even Martin Perez, the Rangers need more than one option in the bullpen to give them multiple innings.

 Scouting Report:  Germano’s arsenal includes a two-seam fastball that is able to hit the high-80s  (MPH) at times.  Even though his fastball isn’t in the mid-90s, it does have good movement to make batters miss.  His next most used pitch is his sinker, which tends to invoke a lot of missed swings.  But, his best secondary pitch is his curveball which is normally around the high 60s-low 70s (MPH).  Even though his curveball tends to be his best secondary pitch, he doesn’t use it a lot.  He does have a changeup, but it isn’t his best pitch and it shouldn’t be relied upon.

MLB Stats: Over 8 years in the majors he has appeared in 94 games/324.2 innings and has an ERA of 5.29 with a record of 10 and 30.  He has recorded 206 strikeouts and allowed 104 walks.

In 2013 he only appeared in one major league game and that was with the Toronto Blue Jays.  During that game 2 innings giving up 6 hits and 2 runs (1 home run).

Don’t expect Germano to stay with the Rangers very long.  The Rangers should have Tanner Scheppers, Nick Tepesch and possible Robbie Ross Jr back in the bullpen at sometime.  Also, Joe Saunders is expected to return at some point with the Texas Rangers.  Saunders wants to be back in the rotation, would could kick Ross out.  It is likely though Saunders could be used as a long reliever.  If and when Germano is used, hopefully it won’t be in a tight situation.