This one question still haunts the Rangers’ bullpen and could change everything

Over 40 games into the season, there is still a huge question mark surrounding who is going to be the Texas Rangers' lockdown closer this season. Considering that Luke Jackson will likely be out for a few games - at the very least - after being tagged on his throwing arm by a 111 miles per hour line drive off the bat of Ryan McMahon, the situation has become front-and-center overnight.

When Jackson went down on May 12, Bochy didn't hesitate to turn to Jacob Webb to come in and try to get the final outs in a 2-1 victory. Webb collected the save, but looked wobbly and is not the answer moving forward.

Rangers are looking for real closer even when Luke Jackson is healthy

The closing role has been up for grabs for some time now as Jackson has struggled to shut down opponents late after getting off to a solid start with 8 quick saves. But his ERA has ballooned to over 5.50 over 17 appearances this season.

The bullpen as a whole has been solid if unspectacular, with guys like Robert Garcia and Hoby Milner solidifying the left-hander roles in middle relief. You'd love to see one of them step up into the closer role, but Bochy likes to use those two in specific lefty/lefty situations, and hasn't shown the inclination to elevate either.

The most logical in-house option for the team moving forward would be to promote Chris Martin. He has been the most reliable right hander out of the bullpen this year, and has a penchant for keeping the ball in the ballpark and is always around the pate surrendering only 3 walks in 18.2 innings. He is also averaging more than a strikeout per inning which is always a bonus as a closer.

There are plenty of capable closers on teams across the league that should be selling, but that doesn't help the Rangers ove the short term. With an offense that has been lackluster thus far, you have to believe that there will be plenty of save opportunities available, so even if Jackson isn't out for an extended period Chris Young and Bochy might want to explore bringing someone in to fill the role.