Left-handed pitcher Ross Detwiler and the Texas Rangers agreed to a one year deal to avoid arbitration today. Detwiler will receive a 15% raise, which equals $3.45 million for the 2015 season. Detwiler was acquired back in December via a trade from the Washington Nationals for pitcher Abel De Los Santos and infielder Chris Bostick.
Detwiler is coming off a tough season, but he’s had success in the past as a starting pitcher. Right now that is one thing the Rangers really need. They currently have Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Colby Lewis in their starting rotation if Opening Day were tomorrow. They do still have Martin Perez and Matt Harrison, but neither one of them will be ready no earlier than the All-Star break.
More from Texas Rangers News
- Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
- 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
- Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
- Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
- 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter
Once spring training starts Detwiler will be going up against Nick Martinez and Nick Tepesch for a role in the rotation. If Detwiler isn’t able to earn a role in the starting rotation he could be the setup man out of the bullpen. In either situation the Rangers need him and it would be a good role for him.
Over his career his has been a solid ground-ball pitcher. He has a 46.5% ground-ball rate, which means Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre and Rougned Odor will have plenty of work to do when he’s on the mound.
In my opinion coming over to the Texas Rangers from the Nationals might be just what Ross Detwiler needs to turn his career around. He’ll be surrounded by an excellent coaching staff and players. And my guess is he’ll make the starting rotation at some point next season.
Last season Detwiler had a record of 2-3 with an 4.00 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 47 games/63.0 innings.