Where does the Texas Rangers' one-two rotation punch rank in the AL?

It’s no surprise that the Texas Rangers offense has led to success, but a ton of credit is owed to the top of their rotation. Their one-two punch is among the best in the AL.

The Texas Rangers have themselves a dominant duo at the top of their rotation. It’s not the household names of Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, rather the blended names of Mike Minor and Lance Lynn. Minor was a nice story last year, but he’s pitched right into Cy Young candidacy in 2019. The Lynn signing was popularly met with indifference, but he’s proved to be a real winner as the season approaches the halfway point.

Texas would not be where they are today without these two workhorses. As good as their offense has been, playoff contenders are born from quality top-of-the-line pitching. That’s in large part why the Rangers are currently “in the hunt.”

Who would have thought at the beginning of the season that this club would have a top three one-two rotation punch in the American League? Well, they do.

Take a look at the duo’s direct competition…

Houston Astros: Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole

Minnesota Twins: Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi

Boston Red Sox: Chris Sale and David Price

New York Yankees: James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka

Tampa Bay Rays: Charlie Morton and Yonny Chirinos

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 10: Starting pitcher Lance Lynn #35 of the Texas Rangers throws a warm-up pitch during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on April 10, 2019 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Only Verlander and Cole (203.4) have combined for more innings pitched than Minor and Lynn (196.2). The Twins’ punch leads the way with 18 wins, though the Rangers’ is tied for second with 15. Minor and Lynn’s average ERA of 3.34 ranks 4th among the bunch. Finally, Minor and Lynn’s 205 total strikeouts ranks only behind Verlander and Cole’s 281.

Reliability is what stands out the most about Texas’ top two arms. Neither has missed a start this year. Lynn has thrown at least 100 pitches in 13 of his 15 outings and Minor has done so in 10 of his 16. The Rangers know they have a very good chance at a win in two out of every five games. Also, their relievers know they have a chance to kick their feet up for a while when Minor or Lynn toe the rubber.

Truthfully, we’ve been spoiled by the duo. Lynn’s appearances haven’t been as pretty as Minor’s, but he’s getting the results. And Minor is the kind of pitcher that prompts you to pop some popcorn and not take your eyes off the TV for three hours. He is a blast to watch pitch.

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Are they quite up to speed with Verlander and Cole? No combo is. Odorizzi is having a career year and Berrios is living up to his worldly potential for the Twins. It’s tough to find anything negative about those two this year. But Minor and Lynn are next up. The Texas Rangers have the third best one-two punch in the American League.

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Where does the Texas Rangers’ one-two rotation punch rank in the American League?

By Travis Koch | Jun 22, 2019

It’s no surprise that the Texas Rangers offense has led to success, but a ton of credit is owed to the top of their rotation. Their one-two punch is among the best in the AL.