Texas Rangers Week in Review: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

May 24, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(37) pitches against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

1. Shawn Tolleson

One of the struggles of the Texas Rangers this season has been the problems with the bullpen. As a team, relievers for the Rangers have a 4.40 ERA which is good enough for fifth worst in the MLB. The biggest problem is that the Rangers not only have one of the worst bullpens, they have had to use it more than any other team. Rangers relievers have pitched 172 innings this season.

Between the struggle and the trip of Neftali Feliz to the disable list, the Rangers were in need of a new closer. The task was given to reliever Shawn Tolleson and he has stepped up into the role and has given the team confidence heading into the ninth inning.

For the season, Tolleson has a 2.70 ERA in 23.1 innings with 30 strikeouts. In the last week, Tolleson has appeared in four games and has notched the save in all four without giving up a run. In those four innings, he has not given up a hit and has not walked any batters.

The success of Tolleson will make the decision of what to do with Feliz more difficult when he returns even with the struggles Feliz has experience this season. If Tolleson is moved out of the closer role, he will likely step into the eighth inning setup role and make spot appearances in the ninth inning when needed. If Feliz returns and struggles like he had, look for Tolleson to step back into this role and should have continued success.

Next: Is it Chi Chi Gonzalez Time in Texas?