This journeyman hurler just made his emphatic case to be the Rangers closer

It was a bittersweet night for the Texas Rangers' bullpen in the 4-1 win over the historically inept Colorado Rockies. Just one day after losing closer Luke Jackson after he was hit on the wrist of his throwing hand on a comeback liner, Chris Martin pulled himself after throwing one pitch, which was later said to be right elbow tightness.

It wasn't good when he motioned to the bench after one fastball then the training staff came out and immediately escorted the big, right-hander off the field.

Shawn Armstrong steps up as Rangers bullpen takes another injury hit

Subsequently, it looked like Robert Garcia was going to come on for the final three outs, but instead, Bochy called on Shawn Armstrong in what was a perplexing change of plans. The well-traveled mid-innings reliever came in instead of Garcia and made a strong case to assume the closing duties for the time being.

Armstrong came in with a three-run lead, Rockies runners on the corners, and no one out. It was more white-knuckling for Ranger fans as Jack Leiter had a very encouraging start, and the Rangers were in complete control throughout.

Armstrong was in total command of his arsenal from the get-go and quickly struck out the side, pinpointing a 94 miles per hour fastball and locating the occasional off-speed pitch. It was a strong statement by the pitcher that he could assume the closing role for the foreseeable future. With Jackson and Martin leaving with injuries on consecutive nights, it may be his job to lose.

It would be a Godsend if Armstrong could step in and be the guy, considering the team might have to make one move if Martin's elbow doesn't look good. At this point, it is a war of attrition in the pen, and Armstrong went out and showed that he was capable of stopping the bleeding.