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Texas Rangers: Team Shakes Up Bullpen with Surprising Move

By Andrew Webb

Jul 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Texas Rangers batting helmet, glove and baseball during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels defeated the Rangers 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 5, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Texas Rangers batting helmet, glove and baseball during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Angels defeated the Rangers 12-6. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been hard to watch the Rangers bullpen this season. The team has decided to shake up the pen, and call up a pitcher that has been waiting a long time to pitch in the MLB.

After 12 years of pitching in the minors and independent leagues the Texas Rangers have granted one pitcher his dream. On Sunday, the Rangers called up Austin Bibens-Dirkx from Triple-A Round Rock.

The 32-year-old has worked extremely hard for this opportunity. He was drafted in 2006 by the Seattle Mariners, and is finally getting his first taste at the Major League level. According to T.R. Sullivan, Bibens-Dirkx had this to say about his promotion to the MLB.

“It’s a blessing and a dream come true,” Bibens-Dirkx said. “It has been a grind. I’ve seen a lot of highs and a lot of lows. … I’m extremely happy. I can’t put it into words. I’m from Oregon, so I have a lot of family coming up, my high school coach. Seattle was the team that originally drafted me [in 2006], so it’s been quite a turnaround.”

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“The first thing I did was call my wife,” Bibens-Dirkx said. “She started crying, and I started tearing up. There were a whole lot of mixed emotions.”

The Rangers have optioned lefty Dario Alvarez to Triple-A to make room for Bibens-Dirkx on the 25-man roster. This season in Round Rock, Bibens-Dirkx posted a 3.04 ERA in six games (three starts) with 20 strikeouts.

This is not a surprising move as the Rangers desperately need fresh arms in the bullpen. The fact Bibens-Dirkx spent most of his time as a starter can be an asset to the team. He can pitch in middle or long relief and really take some of the pressure and workload off everyone else.

Next: Jurickson Profar Changes His Focus in Minors

This is a truly inspirational story about a pitcher that never gave up on his dreams. Hopefully he can bring some help to the Rangers bullpen. Welcome to the Majors, Austin Bibens-Dirkx!

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