Texas Rangers 2015 starting rotation

Jul 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(11) throws during the game against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers 2015 starting rotation is not complete yet but we know who is going to occupy the top 4 spots. There should be quite a competition for the 5th starting spot! Since spring training is right around the corner and that is where the competition for the spot begins, I thought I’d take a look at the Rangers starting rotation.

2015 Rotation:

1. Yu Darvish : 

Darvish is a RHP and is without question the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers. There is no doubt that Darvish is the Ace of this pitching staff! I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping that Darvish is able to make all 32 of his starts this year after making only 22 last year. I’m also hoping that he is able to limit his pitch count a little more (issue less walks) this year to get us a little deeper into games. Here is a look at some of his stats below:

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

2. Derek Holland :                                                                                 

Sep 17, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Derek Holland (45) pitches during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Holland is a LHP and is one of the many players that spent most of the year on the disabled list after injuring his knee. I expect a great year from Holland, especially after the way he came back towards the end of last year. It’s safe to say that his ERA won’t be in the one’s for the entire year, but Holland seems to have figured it out and is a pretty solid #2. Here’s a look at his stats the past few seasons.

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

3. Yovani Gallardo :

 I’m definitely more excited about our rotation now that the Rangers traded for Gallardo! I think he is a good pick up and just gives the Rangers that much more depth. It may take him a little time to adjust to the American League but I think he will figure it out quickly and have a good year for the Rangers.

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

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4. Colby Lewis : 

With Colby, I feel like we know what we are going to get. Colby will give up on average 4-6 runs a game. For the most part he will keep us in games. If the Rangers are able to make it to the playoffs (I think the Rangers get a wild card spot) we know based on his past performances that Colby steps it up a notch.

Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table

5. To be decided. The 5th spot is the major question mark here. In my mind whoever impresses the most out of these candidates in spring training will win the 5th spot to open the year. Although there could be more candidates it should be between the following:

Ross Detwiler is a LHP has the most experience out of any of these pitchers competing for the final spot. He is another pitcher that the Rangers traded for this offseason. He pitched out of the bullpen last year for the Nationals. He pitched 63 innings and had an ERA of 4.00

Nick Tepesch is a RHP. Tepesch started 22 games last year for the Rangers. He had 5 wins and an ERA of 4.36 which is  better than the year before.

Nick Martinez is a RHP. Martinez started 24 games last year. He had 5 wins as well and an ERA of 4.55

Anthony Ranaudo is a RHP The Rangers traded for this offseason. He had 7 starts last year for the Redsox with 4 wins and an ERA of 4.81. I didn’t know much about him, but I hear he has a high ceiling. I’m excited to see what he can do to help the Rangers!

Overall looking at our rotation, I can honestly say that it’s pretty solid. I think we can expect great things from Darvish, Holland and Gallardo. Colby should be back to his usual, so he should be dependable.

Some might say that I’m overly optimistic about our starting rotation! As a Rangers fan it’s nice that we have some depth to have a true competition for the 5th spot! My hunch is that Detwiler wins it. Who do you think will win the 5th spot?