Rangers reliever looks ready to put 2025 blown saves behind him after outing vs. USA

Last season, Rangers left-handed reliever Robert Garcia had an overall solid season, posting a 2.95 ERA and 26.1% strikeout rate over a career-high 64 innings pitched. He should be one of Texas' most counted-on bullpen arms in 2026.

However, the lefty struggled significantly in save opportunities, blowing seven saves and converting nine. He allowed runs in just 17 of 71 appearances, with seven of those being save opportunities.

Rangers' Robert Garcia struggled in save opportunities last year

Garcia still deserves praise for his outstanding 2025 season. It's just unfortunate that when he was called upon to save games, he failed nearly half of the time while being lights out in nearly every other outing.

Garcia took the mound for Team Mexico against Team USA in the bottom of the eighth inning of a critical Pool B matchup at Daikin Park last night.

Robert Garcia hurls scoreless inning for Mexico vs. Team USA in WBC matchup

Although Mexico ended up losing 5-3, Garcia did his job by throwing a scoreless inning against a star-studded USA lineup, keeping Mexico in the game. The Rangers' lefty got Brice Turang to ground out weakly to first baseman Jonathan Aranda for the first out of the inning. Garcia then gave up a double to Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., then bounced back by striking out two-time MVP Bryce Harper on three pitches.

After striking out Harper looking, Garcia intentionally walked reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, who hit a two-run homer in the third inning. Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber then came to the plate, and Garcia got him to ground out to second baseman Nick Gonzalez to end the frame.

Robert Garcia looks ready to put 2025 blown saves behind him

Team Mexico got the tying run to the plate in the ninth, but ultimately fell short. While it was a disappointing loss for Mexico, Garcia should be proud of his performance. While it wasn't perfect, hurling a scoreless inning against a lineup abundant with All-Stars and MVPs is no easy task.

Hopefully Garcia's WBC experience will help the lefty improve in high-pressure situations for the Rangers this season. Again, he had a great 2025 season. He just struggled in the biggest moments. But as far as big moments go, last night was probably the most high-pressure situation Garcia has had in his whole life, even with Mexico trailing. He has never pitched in the postseason, and the WBC is a playoff-esque atmosphere. With Alexis Díaz's struggles this spring, the Rangers may have to count on Garcia to be the team's primary closer this season.