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Texas Rangers – Notes From Surprise

By Lisa Weatherall |
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SURPRISE, Arizona – It has only been two days since Texas Rangers pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training, which means we already have plenty to discuss. Let’s get started!

INJURY REPORT:

Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest reported (via Twitter) that left-handed relief pitcher Michael Kirkman will miss a few days due to a “shoulder impingement.” The non-roster invitee spent most of 2014 with Round Rock Express (AAA) where he compiled a record of 5-5 with an ERA of 4.47 over 36 games before being called up on September 2.

Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers /

Texas Rangers

Kirkman finished the season 0-1 with an ERA of 1.59 over 5.2 innings with Texas. His longest outing over the 12 games was 1.0 innings. With Kirkman out that leaves the Rangers with only two lefties in the bullpen – Martire Garcia and Alex Claudio.

On Friday, Gerry Fraley of The Dallas Morning News reported that the club is looking at Phil Coke as a possibility to fill the void in the bullpen. That really doesn’t leave me with warm fuzzy feelings for the bullpen. Let’s hope that Kirkman’s injury doesn’t turn into something more major, and that JD can miraculously find some left-handed relief for the pen.

ALL ABOUT BELTRE:

Adrian Beltre reported to Spring Training four days early and it seems as though there was one question on everyone’s mind “Will Beltre play for the Texas Rangers in 2016?” Really? I mean, let’s slow things down a bit for him. He JUST arrived! However, now that I know Jon Daniels’ answer I’m happy that the question was asked.

Oh, you actually want to know what was said?

According to several tweets, Texas Rangers fans have zero to worry about when it comes Adrian Beltre finishing his career in Texas.

The fact that all of the beat writers are saying the same thing makes me confident that this will actually get done soon, even if Beltre fails to reach the required 586 plate appearances. I see no reason why any Rangers fan would NOT want him on our team.

Next: Maddux Said What?

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

FROM THE MOUTH OF MADDUX:

I don’t know about you, but I think impressing Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux would be an extremely difficult task.

Apparently, right-handed pitcher Keone Kela – a non-roster invitee – has already done exactly that. According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (via Twitter) Maddux said of Kela’s pitching, “Freaking gas. The ball comes out hot, really hot” tweets Wilson. I can’t wait to see him in action this spring.

*The following quotes are via T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com*

Mike Maddux on right-handed closer Neftali Feliz – “Neftali looked sharp,” Maddux said. “I see a guy recommitted to why he was good and what he has to do to be good. He looks really good. His attitude is to take nothing for granted.”

MM on righty Shawn Tolleson – “Last year was kind of a rehab year,” Maddux said. “It was a rehab year and it was pretty good.”

Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

MM on RHP Kyuji Fujikawa – “The ball was coming out pretty good,” Maddux said. “Pretty clean … he repeated his delivery well. He showed no favoritism of any injury. He let it go.” Asked if he was back to where he was as a premier closer in Japan, Fujikawa said, “Very close. Last year was not close. This year it’s getting close.”

MM on RHP non-roster invitee Juan Carlos Oviedo – “For the first time out, he looked really good,” Maddux said.

Mike Maddux said Tanner Scheppers also looked “very good” reports Sullivan. But I’m especially happy about what manager Jeff Banister had to say about Scheppers’ role this season: 

This is exactly what I had said before last season began. Although I rooted for him to win the closer role, I knew Scheppers would shine the brightest as the Rangers setup man. I’m glad Banister will more than likely have Schepp in that position. Now, if we could just get another lefty in the bullpen I feel like the fans would be able to breathe a little easier.

What needs to happen this Spring to let you breathe a little easier going into the season?

ONLY 41 DAYS UNTIL OPENING DAY!

Next: If Jon Daniels Had Traded Profar

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