Texas Rangers April Report Card

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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 15: Bartolo Colon /

Rotation: C-

MLB Ranks – Starting Pitching

4.63 ERA: 21st

.273 BAA: 29th

249 Innings Pitched: 4th

7.77 Strikeouts/9 innings: 25th

No offense to Bartolo Colon, but a 44-year-old should not be the ace of any staff. That is the case for the Rangers thus far. The staff has been healthy for the most part. Martin Perez missed some time at the beginning of the year and Doug Fister had a DL stint. Frankly, there hasn’t been much of an excuse to a rough start.

What to like

Bartolo Colon has been the best pitcher in the Texas Rangers rotation. His 2.87 ERA is best on the staff and ranks 30th in MLB. He is averaging 6 1/3 innings per start and has astoundingly walked only three batters in 31 innings pitched. Colon’s old school approach is leading to tremendous success.

In addition, Mike Minor has impressed. The reliever turned starter is off to a 2-1 start, posting a 4.33 ERA over 27 innings pitched. His statistics aren’t mind blowing; however, Minor has passed the eye test. He has shown no fear, attacking the strike zone and using his entire repertoire while doing so. He’s a guy that will bring much anticipation from start to start.

What, or who, needs to improve

Cole Hamels is supposed to be ace of staff, though, he has not been so far. Hamels’ 4.41 ERA ranks fourth among the six Rangers who have started a game this season. To make matters worse, he has the most losses on the staff with four.

Perhaps it’s age. Hamels is now 34 years old. His fastball velocity has suffered, thus, he now has to rely more on his offspeed selection. Certainly, he can still be a great pitcher. He just needs to find himself.