Texas Rangers: Could Tyson Ross Be The Missing Piece?

Feb 22, 2017; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Tyson Ross poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2017; Surprise, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Tyson Ross poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The loss of starter Cole Hamels has significantly hurt the Rangers. The good news is that Tyson Ross could be exactly what the team needs to try to stop this sinking ship.

The starting rotation continues to drag down the Texas Rangers this season. Both Martin Perez and A.J. Griffin have been problems in the rotation. The inconsistent command of Andrew Cashner has been another issue.

Veterans Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels were expected to lead this team, but it hasn’t worked out quite as scripted. Since the injury to Hamels the team has been looking for someone to step up in his spot.

It could be time for Tyson Ross to make his presence known in Arlington. The team believes he is close to a return, and could be a force in the rotation soon. What should we expect from the 30-year-old Ross?

He pitched just one game with the Padres in 2016 before having to undergo thoracic outlet surgery. Before that he was a borderline ace for multiple years in the MLB. This could be a steal of a deal for Texas.

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In the off-season they scored Ross on a one-year $6 million deal for the 2017 season. If he can return to the same form he was in 2014 and ’15 then the Rangers might have the steal of the season on their hands.

Even if the season gets out of hand they still can trade Ross at the deadline. If he shows he can be a reliable starter even in just a handful of starts then Texas might be able to move him for something valuable.

The Rangers season is hanging by a thread. They need Ross to be a reliable starter and for Hamels to return soon. Unless the team makes moves for pitching those two might be the lost hope for the Rangers 2017 season.