Texas Rangers: A Look At The Closer Position

The closer position for the Texas Rangers was thought to be solid coming into the season but that was not the case early on. Enter the man with a solid beard and a sense of humor that not many people catch on to.

Of course the Texas Rangers started the season with last years closer holding the same position and that being Shawn Tolleson. Tolleson has had his troubles this year with a couple of stints not he DL and some time in the minors. His Father has had major struggles with cancer during the season and there is not telling what kind of toll that can take on an individual.

Sometimes we forget that these players are people too who have life going on around them and usually they are so busy traveling and playing that they rarely are able to take care of day to day things. But focusing on just what has occurred on the field, Tolleson played in 37 games this year, has recorded 2 wins,11 saves, 1 hold, but had 4 blown saves and an ERA of 7.68. He just wasn’t right this year and a move had to be made.

Enter that man with the beard, Sam Dyson. Dyson was a great surprise just like the rest of the bullpen during the 2015 campaign, he appeared to have the stuff of a closer and he has shown that this year. 70 games played during the 2016 season leads the team for appearances by a pitcher. He didn’t get his first save until May 11th.

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Now for the yearly stats up to today September 22nd:

• 70 GP
• 67.1 Innings pitched
• has allowed 62 hits
• 19 runs scored (all earned)
• 20 walks
• 52 strikeouts
• 3-2 record
• 35 saves
• 10 holds
• 5 blown saves
• 2.54 ERA

Okay so those really are some pretty good numbers even if at times fans have seemed concerned when Dyson takes the mound to try and secure a victory. But most recently he has really been in the zone and this is exactly what the Texas Rangers need as they gear up for a deep playoff run. Here are his stats over his last 10 outings:

• 10 innings pitched
• 9 hits allowed
• 1 run scored off of a HR
• 3 walks
• 12 strikeouts
• 132 pitches
• 2-0 record
• 7 saves
• 1 blown save (was the HR allowed and Rangers won in the 12th inning)

6 of these games ended up being 1 run wins by the Rangers. The outside perspective that Sam Dyson is shaky is false, he is solid and should continue to be heading into the playoffs because of the rest he has been receiving.

The Rangers are sitting well with Dyson as the closer and will hope that this trend of great outing continue into October. Did you think that Dyson was doing so well as of late? How sure are you in the bullpen’s ability to secure wins?

Next: Texas Rangers: Magic Number Remains At 2

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