Texas Rangers announce Opening Day Roster

Bullpen

Jose Leclerc

Jonathan Hernandez

Will Smith

Brock Burke

Taylor Hearn

Cole Ragans

Dane Dunning

Ian Kennedy

This is the position group that had the most competition for spots. Injuries to Jake Odorizzi, Glenn Otto, and Josh Sborz opened up additional spots not thought to be open. Joe Barlow also being sent down to Round Rock because of decreased velocity made it anyone's guess who would end up in the bullpen. Odorizzi and Otto were both placed on the 60-day IL opening up two spots on the 40-man roster. Ian Kennedy claimed one of those spots. He is looking to recapture the form he had back in 2021 when he was traded to the Phillies prior to the trade deadline.

Cole Ragans and Dane Dunning were both expected to land in Round Rock as depth options for the starting rotation. Ragans came to spring training with much higher velocity than was expected and pitched very well throughout camp. Dunning earned his spot by pitching under control, being efficient, and being able to pitch deep into games. Both players will serve in the long-man role until deGrom and Eovaldi are fully stretched out. Roles have not been defined as of now. We will likely find out more about that as the season gets started and we see how Bochy goes about managing his bullpen.