Texas Rangers: This Bullpen Is Not Suspect

No really I am serious, this Texas Rangers Bullpen may be the most solid bullpen heading into the MLB playoffs. If you are ready for some possibly surprising stats then I have you covered throughout this article.

This Texas Rangers bullpen hasn’t allowed a run in 24.2 innings which is the 4th longest streak by a Texas bullpen since 1974. That’s pretty good and it becomes amazing when I let you know they’ve only allowed 1 earned run in the past 32 innings.

Every stat mentioned will be accurate through all of the Texas Rangers games in 2016 except for the last 4. Now the Texas Rangers have used 23 relievers and 2 position players to make it to this point in the year and a portion of the bad stats are inflated because of bad play earlier in the year.

This Texas Rangers Bullpen in 2016 are:

• 1st in wins (40)
• Tied with 6 other teams for 2nd fewest losses (19)
• have the 6th worst ERA 4.47
• 18th in Innings Pitched (507)
• are 1st in Saves
• tied for 8th fewest in Blown Saves (17)
• 4th in Holds (100)
• Allowed the 8th most Home Runs (66)
• 2nd worst in Number of Strikeouts per 9 innings(7.40)

Stats from rotogrinders.com

Now those 40 wins are only 1 off of the MLB record of 41 held by the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers. With 4 games left, there is a possibility that the bullpen could reach that mark before the regular season is over.

This bullpen was thought to be the strongest point of the team when coming into the season but some things didn’t go right and early they were the biggest concern. 2015 closer Shawn Tolleson had off field troubles with his father struggling with cancer and Tolleson also has spent a good amount of his year on the DL as well.

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Sam Dyson moved into that closer position and excelled while also making Texas Rangers fans hearts beat a little quicker most of the time. The most questionable consistent pitcher must be Jake Diekman. His pitching form is sporadic and that’s what makes him hard to hit, the problem with that is when he is off then he is off.

Keone Kela has had his moments and spent time on the DL this year as well but looks to be back to form. Mid-season acquisition Jeremy Jeffress has dealt with off field issues and has returned to the team with a clear head.

The 2 biggest surprises are the 2 old rookies out of the pen in Matt Bush and Tony Barnette. Barnette is 32 and had a career in Tokyo as a relief pitcher and has been the Rangers most consistent pitcher from the pen this year. The Rangers have handled 30-year-old former first round shortstop Matt Bush perfectly. I say that because they had no clue how long his arm would hold up during the season and he has just been phenomenal.

Also Tanner Scheppers has rejoined the team after close to 2 years off dealing with injuries. In his short stint back with the team he has looked great and should have a spot int he playoff rotation.

Next: Texas Rangers Take Back Spot Atop A.L.

This bullpen seems to be the best playoff bullpen with the most moment at this point in the season. Do you have any concerns, if so what are they? Join the conversation at our Facebook and Twitter pages!