Three free agent left-handed relievers for the Texas Rangers to consider

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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 22: Jake Diekman #41 of the Texas Rangers delivers against the Cleveland Indians during the eighth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on July 22, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers won 5-0. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Jake Diekman

Why not bring back a familiar face? Diekman knows the staff, he knows the ballpark and he knows how to pitch. He spent the equivalent of three seasons with the Rangers and posted an ERA below 3.70 in each.

The Texas Rangers don’t necessarily need a lefty specialist. Really, they need to find a setup man as badly as any bullpen role. Diekman spent time as the club’s setup man throughout the years. He even closed on occasion.

It seems reasonable to use him in the setup role for the 2019 season. But Texas would have to sign in order to see that opportunity through.

Diekman just turned 32 years old. He still has his wipe out slider and he’s coming off a year in which his fastball averaged over 95 mph.

He’s a great option unless the club is in fact looking for a left-handed specialist (a pitcher who takes the mound solely to dispose of left-handed hitters). Diekman was very poor against left-handed bats a season ago, allowing a .329 BA and .443 OBP against them. He was outstanding against right-handed bats, allowing a .191 BA and .303 OBP.

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