Predicting the Texas Rangers 2015 rotation

Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(22) throws during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Bulldog: If Jon Daniels doesn’t pickup anyone during the offseason then that would likely mean that Nick Martinez will return next season in the starting rotation.  Even if the Rangers do decided to add someone to the rotation, that could mean that Martinez is moved to the bullpen as a long reliever.  This hasn’t been an outstanding season for Martinez, but he’s continued to develop and has progressed as well as anyone would have expected.  He started off the season in Frisco after being promoted from class-A ball in Myrtle Beach.  No one really expected him to be at the big league level this early, but due to the rash of injuries to the pitching staff he was called up earlier than expected.

2014 stats

• Record 2-9
• 5.27 ERA
• 4.8 strikeouts per 9 innings
• 50 strikeouts
• 41 walks
• 1.22 strikeout to walks ratio
• 1.606 WHIP
• 0.5 WAR

Recently Nick Martinez has been struggling.  Over his last 4 starts he as a record of 1-3 with a 7.06 ERA.   But, over those last 3 games he has strikeout a career high 6 batters back-to-back.  Martinez was part of the Opening day rotation this season and has a chance still to make a case for 2015 with the remaining month and half left.