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Projecting the Texas Rangers’ 26-man roster halfway through spring training

By Seth Carlson

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Members of the Texas Rangers stand during the National Anthem before a MLB baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field on August 28, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 28: Members of the Texas Rangers stand during the National Anthem before a MLB baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Globe Life Field on August 28, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. All players are wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. The day honoring Jackie Robinson, traditionally held on April 15, was rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Kohei Arihara Texas Rangers
Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers roster projection 2.0: Starting Rotation (5)

  1. RHP Kyle Gibson
  2. RHP Mike Foltynewicz
  3. RHP Kohei Arihara
  4. RHP Dane Dunning
  5. LHP Hyeon-jong Yang

The first four spots in this projection were quite obvious to dole out, with Kyle Gibson expected to start Opening Day.

He’ll be followed in the rotation by free agent signees Mike Foltynewicz (who is having an outstanding spring so far) and Japanese righty Kohei Arihara.

I have Dane Dunning as the Rangers’ fourth starter, also an obvious rotation candidate given his high floor.

The fifth starter’s spot was a toss-up for me, although not in terms of handedness (it was going to be a lefty occupying the slot regardless).

Both Korean southpaw Hyeon-jong Yang and teammate Taylor Hearn have had effective outings in spring training as they make their bids for the rotation.

Ultimately, I gave the edge to Yang since he has starting experience (even if internationally) that Hearn doesn’t possess at the moment. Yang also has made it clear he’d like to start, so I believe the Rangers will honor that request if he keeps pitching well.

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