3 Ways Joe Palumbo Can Change the Texas Rangers Trade Plans

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Joe Palumbo #62 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the second inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Joe Palumbo #62 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the second inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 08: Joe Palumbo #62 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the second inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – JUNE 08: Joe Palumbo #62 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the second inning of game one of a doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 08, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /

Highly ranked pitching prospect Joe Palumbo is returning to the rotation as the Texas Rangers seek ways to shore up their pitching staff.

Left-handed pitching prospect Joe Palumbo is set to return to the Texas Rangers starting rotation on Wednesday after making his big league debut on June 8th. With his debut viewed as a spot start, rotation struggles and the need to fill the 5th spot in the order has prompted Texas to call Palumbo back up with eyes towards a more permanent role.

The idea that Joe Palumbo could have a more permanent role in the Rangers rotation is one fans have presented since Texas’ struggles with Drew Smyly began and it’s an idea that seems to be coming to fruition. Local writers like Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News and Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth-Star Telegram have noted that this will not be just another spot start for the lefty and the Rangers are open to the idea of a long-term role for Palumbo this season.

With Palumbo back as a part of the rotation, at least for the meantime, how can the young lefty from New York affect the Rangers plans in the trade market this summer?