Rangers’ approach at closer opens door for Carter Baumler to make a serious push for the job

What a night it was for the Rule 5 pick, Carter Baumler, as head coach Skip Schumaker orchestrated a really cool move on Monday. In the 5th inning, the Rangers' manager assembled his entire infield, along with catcher Danny Jansen at the mound, to inform him that he had nailed down a spot on the big league squad to start the season.

A moment that he will never forget, but now that he's officially in the bullpen, no reason the feel good story has to end there? Electing to go with a closer-by-committee approach, Baumler is as good a candidate as anyone to step into the role at some point this season.

The closer position is still open as the Rangers head to Philly for opening day

Not much was decided during the spring session concerning who Schumaker will trust with the ball in save situations. He has been secretive about it, saying only that Robert Garcia and Chris Martin have the inside track right now.

Well, why not the up-and-coming Baumler? He has the liveliest fastball of any of the relievers and has also demonstrated a plus 12-to-6 curveball that he used effectively in recording a perfect inning of relief.

For the spring, the 24-year-old from Des Moines, Iowa, has pitched 9.1 innings and has yet to surrender an earned run, while fanning 10 hitters and logging a 0.67 WHIP.

Rangers lack hard throwing option in the bullpen

Without a flamethrower to really speak of other than Baumler in the bullpen, he has to be considered in the running for the role right now.

Understandably, Schumaker doesn't want to put too much of a burden on the young hurlers' shoulders at once, but you have to think he and pitching coach Jordan Tiegs are keeping all their options open. Surely one of them is slowly transitioning Baumler into more high-leverage situations throughout the first few weeks with possible designs on giving him a longer look at closer.

But right now, it is one step at a time, considering that Baumler has never pitched higher than Double-A so far in his young career. If Garcia and Martin struggle to close out games early in the season, look for the newest Ranger to be the next man up as early as May.