ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers, according to manager Bruce Bochy, will keep their options open as it pertains to the rotation.
Those options may be dictated by immediate needs.
Bochy acknowledged before Friday’s series opener vs. the Miami Marlins at Globe Life Field that the Rangers could use a number of starters — specifically left-handers Patrick Corbin and Jacob Latz — out of the bullpen as the club attempts to make an improbable playoff push in the season’s final week-and-a-half.
The Rangers have not yet named starters for the final two games of the series vs. the Marlins to remain flexibile. Right-hander Tyler Mahle was activated from the injured list and started Friday’s game after a three-month layoff due to shoulder fatigue. His return also expanded the team’s rotation to six pitchers.
Rangers
“You know some of the guys that are going to be in [the rotation],” Bochy said, “but if we need somebody to help us win a game, extra innings, things like that, it’s all hands on deck.”
Corbin has a 4.23 ERA in 146 2/3 innings and hasn’t missed a start since he debuted with the Rangers earlier this season. The 36-year-old has not pitched out of the bullpen in the regular season in nine years. Latz, who has a 2.62 ERA in seven starts this season, has flip-flopped between the rotation and bullpen when needed. He has a 1.72 ERA in three September starts since the Rangers used him to fill right-hander Nathan Eovaldi’s spot in the rotation.
Texas Rangers’ Marcus Semien making progress in injury rehab, hopes to return this season
Semien took live batting practice, hit on the field pregame with his teammates and ran for the first time since his foot injury before Friday’s game vs. the Marlins.
Texas Rangers’ Wyatt Langford sidelined with ‘side tightness’ for opener against Marlins
Manager Bruce Bochy said that Langford had been battling discomfort but, on Friday, it reached a point where he needed to sit. He is considered day-to-day.
Find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Click or tap here to sign up for our Rangers newsletter.