Texas Rangers Acquire Knuckleballer From Rays
By Andrew Webb
![Sep 20, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (59) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Sep 20, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Eddie Gamboa (59) throws a pitch against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/NolanWritin-cover-788619a2832c4cddd5797a04b2602f1b.jpg)
The Texas Rangers mission to add pitching depth continues this off-season. As the Rangers add another pitcher to their staff this time a veteran knuckleballer.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Texas Rangers have agreed on a deal that sends pitcher Eddie Gamboa to the Rangers in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The Rays recently designated Gamboa for assignment to open up a spot on their roster.
Gamboa made his Major League debut in 2016, going 0-2 1.35 ERA in seven games with the Rays. The 31-year-old spent eight seasons in the minor leagues before making his debut in 2016. Gamboa spent most of his career as a starting pitcher.
He pitched all seven games with the Rays out of the bullpen. Gamboa could make a successful career out of being a knuckleball pitcher. Many knuckleball pitchers can pitch well into their 40’s due to the fact they usually have less fatigue and arm issues.
More from Nolan Writin'
- Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
- 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
- Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
- Where do Texas Rangers prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker stand after the DeGrom signing?
- Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
Pitchers that throw 95-100 mph usually have more elbow and shoulder issues. Gamboa is a pitcher that works with a much lower velocity and focuses on command of the strike zone. The veteran righty could be an interesting addition to the Rangers bullpen.
The Rangers already have plenty of hard-throwing pitchers. A majority of Major League relief pitchers can throw 95 mph or faster. Having a successful knuckleball pitcher could be huge for the Rangers bullpen.
Being able to put in a guy that throws 60-70 mph that after a 95 mph pitcher could completely throw off the opponent batters. Having the versatility of a knuckleball pitcher is a good advantage for the Rangers. Let’s see what Gamboa can bring to the team in 2017.