Which Texas Rangers’ starting pitcher could throw a no-hitter in 2021?

The Texas Rangers have been the victim of two no-hitters in the same ballpark before the month of June and that is a tough pill to swallow. No MLB team has yet to give up three no-hitters in one season, so that’s not a thought that we should have, nor jinx.

Rather, let’s assess which Texas Rangers starting pitcher has the best opportunity to throw a no-hitter in a year where it feels like every MLB team has a chance.

First off, Kenny Rogers was the last Ranger pitcher to throw a no-hitter and that was in July of 1994 against the California Angels. There have been a couple close calls in the past decade, but nothing touches Yu Darvish being one out away in 2013. Either way, I’m just trying to say it’s been a very long time since we have witnessed a Ranger pitcher throw one.

So, which current Rangers starting pitcher has the best odds-on making history in 2021?

RHP Jordan Lyles (2-3)

Jordan Lyles has some experience getting deep with no-no’s and even perfection. Could he do it with the Texas Rangers?

In the past, Jordan Lyles has actually flirted with a perfect game. In 2018, against the Colorado Rockies, Lyles came within 5 outs of giving San Diego their first no-hitter in franchise history. Trevor Story’s one-out single ended the bid, but this just shows Lyles has been in the situation before.

His chances of throwing one in Texas are low, but let’s not rule him out completely. Lyles just had a very great outing against Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees in the win on Monday, May 17th. In six innings he only allowed one run while recording six strikeouts.

While his last start was his best as of late, he has had a very streaky start to the season and has a 6.35 ERA in 34 innings pitched. What concerns me the most about his likelihood of throwing a no-hitter? Well, Lyles has surrendered 41 hits in those 34 innings.

I love the history, but I’m not sure the 30-year-old has enough magic to pull off a no-hitter in this point of his career.

LHP Hyeon-Jong Yang (0-1)

The Korean lefty has been effective as a spot starter for the Texas Rangers in 2021.

Since stepping into the starting rotation, Hyeon-Jong Yang has been extremely impressive on the mound. The ex-KBO MVP held the Yankees to just two runs before exiting in the 5th inning on May 19th.

Manager Chris Woodward reported that Yang will get at least one more start in the Rangers’ rotation so his chances of tossing a no-hitter are near impossible, but that’s not his fault.

While Yang has thrown two quality starts for Texas, I just don’t think he will be in the rotation long enough to toss a no-hitter this year.

RHP Dane Dunning (2-3)

The Texas Rangers starter with the highest ceiling.

Dane Dunning has been one of my favorite pitchers to watch this season. Although Dunning hit a small slump earlier this May, he impressed by tossing six scoreless innings in his last start against the New York Yankees.

While I feel like we have only witnessed a small sample size, Dunning’s chances of throwing a no-hitter are actually pretty good. At one point of the season, Dunning had a 0.61 ERA and threw 16.0 straight scoreless innings.

As much as I want Dunning to break the streak, I would put his chances behind this next Rangers’ pitcher. He is a worthy candidate, but Dunning needs to pitch beyond six innings and as of now, that is not in his control.

Overall, I like his odds, but not his time yet.

RHP Kyle Gibson (3-0)

Kyle Gibson is the ace of the Texas Rangers’ 2021 rotation, so he’s got the best chance.

If any Ranger pitcher has the best chance to throw a no-hitter, it has to be the ace, Kyle Gibson. After one of the shortest opening day performances in franchise history, Gibson has without a doubt been the best Rangers pitcher of the season.

In his last 7 games pitched, the 33-year-old has an ERA of 1.69 with 35 strikeouts and only 9 ER. Gibson has proved over the past couple of starts that he can go beyond six innings and that’s obviously an important quality to have in attempting to achieve a no-hitter. (Next to not giving up a hit)

Now, with the Rangers’ luck in the month of May, Kyle Gibson will throw a no-hitter, but for another team. If Gibson is dealt at the trade deadline, don’t be surprised if he has one later this season, and even better, it’s against the Rangers.

On second thought, let’s hope this doesn’t come true.

In reality, the chances of a Rangers’ pitcher adding to the list of no-hitters this year are relatively low, but I wouldn’t give up on them. Or as Ex-Rangers Manager Jeff Banister would say, #NeverEverQuit.