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Texas Rangers: 5 players with something to prove in the closing month

ByTravis Koch|
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 15: Yohander Mendez #65 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 15, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 15: Yohander Mendez #65 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Colorado Rockies in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 15, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: C.D. Pelham #58 of the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Team works the eighth inning against the World Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

C.D. Pelham

The Rangers will have to find men to fill out their bullpen next season as well. C.D. Pelham is one of a few September call-ups that could find a spot in the Texas pen in 2019.

Really, the only reserved spots are for Jose Leclerc, Alex Claudio and Chris Martin. Of course, Tony Barnette and Matt Bush are expected to be back. There will certainly be a few bullpen spots up for grabs.

Pelham probably needs some additional minor league time to refine his repertoire. In 3.1 innings with the Rangers this year, he has a 5.40 ERA with two walks allowed and a 2.400 WHIP. His control is not yet major league ready.

The good news is he is only 23 years old and he is only progressing. Pelham has climbed the prospects chart, currently ranking as the #16 prospect in the organization. His improvement has been steady ever since he was drafted by the Rangers just three seasons ago. He will undoubtedly have a place in the Texas bullpen in the near future.

As for this September, he needs to prove he can throw strikes and he needs to prove capable of handling major league hitters. Relievers don’t have much time to settle into a game. As such, Pelham must show he can control the baseball from the first pitch of an appearance to the last.

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