Texas Rangers: How to put the bullpen terrors to rest

The bullpen has spelled disaster for the Texas Rangers. A team that has already been pushed back by key offensive injuries cannot endure blown leads in the late innings. Adjustments need to be made in the Rangers’ pen.

The Texas Rangers are not a team that can afford to blow leads in the late innings, at least not in their current state. As you’d assume, this topic was motivated by the game-tying 9th inning grand slam let up by Keone Kela in last night’s game.

An occasional bullpen collapse happens with every team. Major League hitters are talented, and they’re generally happy when a reliever replaces a starter. However, major league relievers are also talented. Pitchers are more often successful than hitters; therefore, a relief crew should be able to keep an opponent from scoring the vast majority of the time.

The Rangers bullpen has not gotten that memo. It seems like every night we’re watching at least one reliever struggle with his command and forfeit multiple runs. Of course, the struggles always occur in delicate situations, too.

Texas’ current bullpen strategy has not worked. Their options are limited, but something has to be done. The questions is…what can be done?