Texas Rangers add a former World Series winner to the bullpen

What role with Robertson have in the bullpen?

The high salary indicates to me that Texas is expecting Robertson to pitch in high-leverage situations. That is exactly what he has done throughout his career as he has spent time as a closer and in a setup role. Now he pitches for the best bullpen manager in the game in Bruce Bochy. During the playoff run last season Bochy primarily relied on just three bullpen relievers to carry them to the World Series. Texas now adding David Robertson and Kirby Yates this offseason has given Bochy more late-inning options.

If Jose Leclerc, Josh Sborz, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates make it to Opening Day healthy then I think it will allow Bochy to mix and match in the late innings. All four are right-handed, but all have different ways that they attack hitters. Leclerc is with a fastball and changeup, Sborz is fastball and curveball, Robertson is slider and knuckle curve, and Yates is fastball and splitter. Even though they are all right-handed hitters will not be able to approach them the same way.

My prediction is that Leclerc opens the season as the primary closer, Robertson is in the eighth, Sborz in the 7th, and Yates is the swing guy who will pitch in the middle innings or be called upon in the late innings if any of the other three have pitched consecutive days and need a day off. The bullpen is in a stronger spot now than it was at the end of the regular season. Robertson is a pro and I fully expect him to come in and excel in whatever role he is put in.

Texas has just one more move to make and that is to resign Jordan Montgomery. The wait continues on that one. Both sides want it to happen. It does not appear that there is any rush from either side to get it done.

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