Texas Rangers Have Named Their Fifth Starter in the Rotation

The Texas Rangers sit at 72-72 coming into play on Wednesday, but still are having trouble deciding on a fifth starter. They’ve made a final decision, but is it the right call for the organization?

Manager Jeff Banister has decided to shake up the Texas Rangers starting rotation and switch the fifth starter. They had three pitchers fighting for the spot which were A.J. Griffin, Austin Bibens-Dirkx, and Nick Martinez.

The organization decided to pull Griffin out of the fifth spot in the rotation and add Martinez. That means Martinez will pitch on Friday in an important game against the Angels. This could just be a one start at a time type of deal for Martinez.

This season Martinez is 3-6 with a 5.40 ERA in 20 games (15 starts) with the Rangers. He has a 2.76 ERA in his career against the Angels which is likely why the team picked Martinez to start. He went six innings allowing three runs last time he faced the Angels this season.

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The team couldn’t use Bibens-Dirkx since he threw 54 pitches on Tuesday against the Mariners. Otherwise he likely we’ve been given the start against the Angels. Lefty Yohander Mendez was not given a shot in the rotation as the organization doesn’t believe he’s ready for that type of situation.

As of right now Martinez is the fifth starter, but he’s going to need to earn that spot. This could be his last opportunity to earn a role in the starting rotation. Does he have what is takes to hold down a spot in the rotation, and help the Rangers get to the playoffs?