Texas Rangers: Can Tyson Ross Be A Reliable Option?

The Wild Card race is heating up in the American League, and the only thing hotter right now is the Texas Rangers. They need to keep playing consistent baseball if they want a shot at the postseason. Can they trust Tyson Ross to hold down a spot in the starting rotation?

During the off-season the Texas Rangers signed starter Tyson Ross to a one-year $6 million deal. Ross was coming off a 2016 season where he made just one start before missing the rest of the season due to injury.

He’s only made eight starts for Texas this season due to rehabbing from last season, and injuries this season. His stats aren’t pretty, but can the Rangers count on him to do his job in the rotation? This late in the season you can’t afford to make any mistakes.

This season Ross is 3-2 with a 7.11 ERA in eight starts. He’s allowed 30 earned runs in 38 innings and has walked 25 batters. Opposing batters are only hitting .241 off Ross which is lower than starter Andrew Cashner.

More from Nolan Writin'

On Thursday, Ross will open up a four game series with the Chicago White Sox. The South Siders are starting No. 6 prospect Reynaldo Lopez in game one. He’s made just one start this season going six innings, allowing two runs on three walks and six strikeouts.

This could be the more interesting match-up to watch this series. Both pitchers have good movement and velocity, but have struggled with command. Ross a former All-Star is trying to put his career back together. On the other side Lopez is a 23-year-old starter trying to prove he belongs in the MLB.

Next: 3 Rangers That Could Get Better in 2018

Much like fans have seen from A.J. Griffin sometimes injuries are difficult to overcome. The Rangers are hopeful that Ross can return to the reliable pitcher that he used to be. Time will tell, but Thursday’s game will be one of the more interesting match-ups to watch around baseball.

Home/Texas Rangers News