Texas Rangers Bullpen Has Been Bright Spot Thus Far

There have not been many bright spots for the Texas Rangers thus far in 2015. Prince Fielder looks like he is healthy once again, although his power is manifesting itself more in terms of doubles than home runs. Nick Martinez has been quite the revelation this season, posting an insane 0.35 ERA. And that would seem to be about it.

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Quietly, the Rangers bullpen has also been a bit of a bright spot this season as well. Even though Neftali Feliz has struggled, and went over a week without appearing in a game, the bullpen has posted a 3.89 ERA and a 1.32 WHiP. Those numbers may not be stellar, but they have certainly been serviceable and, considering how poor the Rangers starting rotation has been at times this season, respectable by comparison.

The Rangers also appear to have hit upon quite a few members in the bullpen. Stolmy Pimentel was claimed off of waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and has posted a 1.13 ERA and a 1.125 WHiP in his eight innings of work. While he may not be striking out nearly as many batters as usual, Pimentel has cut down on the walks, walking only three batters.

Anthony Bass, while still in the bullpen, may not be there for long. The former starter/long reliever for the Padres has thrived thus far with the Rangers, posting a 3.44 ERA and a 1.036 WHiP. While Bass has never been a strikeout artist, he has struck out 13 batters in his 18.1 innings of work, while issuing only four walks. Given some of the struggles in the rotation, Bass could find himself with a chance there in the near future.

Then there is Shawn Tolleson, who has continued to build on his solid 2014 season. In his 9.1 innings, Tolleson has a 1.93 ERA and a 0.857 WHiP, striking out 13 batters while issuing only one walk. Coming on the heels of a year where Tolleson posted a 2.76 ERA and a 1.172 WHiP in 2014, it may be safe to say that this is exactly who he is at this point. In fact, if Feliz continues to struggle, Tolleson may be the next logical candidate to get a chance as the Rangers closer.

The Texas Rangers may not have had much success on the field as of this point in 2015, but that is not the fault of the bullpen. In fact, the Rangers bullpen has proven to be quite the bright spot this season.