Sam Dyson stepping up in solidifying the Texas Rangers bullpen

Coming into the season, the Texas Rangers’ bullpen was a real question mark. Who would be the closer was among the burning questions this group had, but the questions were not just limited to the ninth inning guy. Those that would surround the closer were also very unsettled. Even with the rise of Shawn Tolleson as the closer this season and the acquisition of Jake Diekman in the Cole Hamels trade, one guy has really stuck out to me–Dyson.

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Dyson was drafted three times–once by the Washington Nationals in 2006, a 19th round selection. He chose to go to college instead, attending one of the best programs in the country in South Carolina. He was drafted a second time, this time in the 10th round in 2009, but chose to stay in college again. Finally, after being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth round in 2010, he turned pro. Some said that he had the best stuff in the Jays organization when he was drafted.

He made his major league debut in 2012 with the Blue Jays, and didn’t even pitch a full inning that season. He was claimed by the Marlins in 2012 offseason and pitched in five games for the Marlins in 2013 before breaking out in 2014. He appeared in 36 games and allowed just 10 earned runs in 42 innings. His workload increased even more in 2015, as he appeared in 44 games for the Marlins and his role late in games increased as he collected nine holds before being acquired by the Rangers at the deadline.

Since coming to Texas on July 31st, Dyson has pitched in 18 games and posted an ERA of 1.83. He allowed a homerun in his first game as a Ranger against the San Francisco Giants, but hasn’t allowed one since. In the 18 games he has appeared in for Texas he has collected eight more holds, posted career lows in WHIP and ERA, and has settled in as the eighth inning guy. Dyson has been among those in the bullpen who have proven themselves as reliable guys, which has allowed the starters to not have to go as late into games which has helped keep them fresher for the stretch run. Dyson is another demonstration that Texas can take guys who were top picks in other organizations that didn’t pan out and find ways to get the best out of them. A pen that entered the year with a lot of questions has certainly gotten some answers so far in 2015.