What can the Texas Rangers Expect from Edinson Volquez in 2019?

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MIAMI, FL – JUNE 25: Edinson Volquez #36 of the Miami Marlins pitches in the first inning during the game between the Miami Marlins and the Chicago Cubs at Marlins Park on June 25, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

What Will Volquez’s Role Look Like?

I fully expect for Edinson Volquez to start the 2019 season in the rotation assuming he doesn’t face any setbacks when it comes to his elbow surgery. Volquez will have some room for varied performance partially because of how rag-tag the rotation is expected to be. As of right now, Minor is a lock to front the starts but past that, nobody is set in stone.

Newly acquired Drew Smyly no doubt will compete and likely lock up a spot. Taylor Hearn who was acquired as a part of the deal that sent Keone Kela to Pittsburgh also should get an audition but it’s slim choices for the Rangers next year. Barring any shocking offseason moves, there will be plenty of starts available for the taking.

I would expect Volquez to start the season as the 4th or 5th man in the rotation with the hope that he can provide some veteran leadership to the back end starters. If he performs, he could climb his way into more opportunities and if he struggles, expect him to get demoted into a long reliever role.

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