Lefty strikeout artist jumps to Round Rock as Rangers eyes late-season options

It’s been a very up-and-down season for the Texas Rangers, but one of the team’s top prospects is only on the rise. Kohl Drake is, in fact, literally on the rise as he’ll make his next professional start on the Triple-A level after getting promoted from Double-A Frisco.

Drake is the No. 11 prospect in the Rangers’ system, according to MLB Pipeline. He is the fifth-highest ranked pitcher and the highest-ranked left-hander. The only other Top 15 pitching prospect in the system who is at Triple-A is Emiliano Teodo, who has been converted into a reliever.

Texas Rangers elevates No. 11 prospect Kohl Drake to Triple-A Round Rock

The Texas Rangers organization certainly likes what it’s seen from Kohl since starting his professional career. At Frisco, he’s posted a 2.77 ERA and 4-3 record in 12 appearances. He also has 70 strikeouts in 50 innings. 

Manager Bruce Bochy certainly likes the stuff that Drake shows when he takes the mound.

Bochy had just spent 30 seconds talking about what impressed him and the coaching staff during Kohl’s time in Major League spring training and saying that he felt the 24-year-old had the goods to pitch in the Majors one day.

“I’m not saying this year but at some point,” Bochy said. “I don’t want you to think we’re calling him up next week. But it’s real.”

Interestingly enough, how the rest of this season goes for the Rangers could play a big part in when they call up Kohl. He’s already gotten some spring training with the big club. He’s now just one step away.

It doesn’t seem out of the question that Drake might make the jump to the Texas Rangers should they not be in the playoff race come September. Of course, before he gets that call, he’s got to show that he can do what he did at Frisco, while playing for Round Rock.