Texas Rangers: 5 players who have been surprise contributors

5. Josh Sborz

I was debating on who would be number five on this list. I decided I wanted someone from the bullpen. Sborz is the guy that everyone and I was a part of that group wanted to be off the roster. He was so maddening to watch. He had great stuff, but would leave it over the middle of the plate and watch it go over the fence. He would walk guys, and just give up runs so easily. I could not believe they did not release him after spring training. He was so bad in Arizona. He was placed on the IL to start the season with an ankle injury. Then in mid-April he was called up. Since being called up there have been no issues. He has had one "bad" appearance and that was against Arizona. He had already pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings, but was brought back for another inning and that is when he gave up three runs. He probably should have been lifted prior to that inning. He has been nails for the bullpen. He has pitched in 11 games, and has only been scored upon in two of those appearances. He has inherited seven runners on base and only allowed three of them to score. Tuesday night was another example of how well he has pitched. He came on in relief of Jonathan Hernandez. The previous three batters had went home run, hit by pitch, and home run to close the game from 6-1 to 6-4. Bochy brought on Sborz to put out the fire. Sborz got Austin Riley to pop out, got Eddie Rosario to ground out, and struck out Ozzie Albies to close out the inning. That is just what he has been doing consistently since being brought up. Hernandez and Leclerc have both had their struggles in the late innings, but Sborz has come on and has been able to get the job done. I have went from thinking he must go to thinking please bring Sborz in.