How did Jacob Latz react to losing out on 5th starter role? Rangers insider responds

It’s a tough prospect for a pitcher, losing out on a job coming out of spring training. Especially if that player had a good spring training.

That’s the case for Rangers’ lefty Jacob Latz, who was half of one of the most competitive position battles of the spring as he auditioned for the fifth starter role with Kumar Rocker. The job went to Rocker, and Latz was relegated to the bullpen.

In Rangers insider Evan Grant’s opening day Q&A session with fans, he was asked a straightforward question about the lefty: How’s he responded to losing out on the gig?

Check out Evan’s response below, and see the full session by clicking or tapping the link here.

Rangers

Question: Has Jacob Latz indicated how he feels about not making the starting rotation?

Evan: “I talked to Jacob for a few minutes about it yesterday, it was the first time I really had a chance to talk with him since the decision was made. And, again, I think Jacob wanted to pitch in the starting rotation, wanted to prove to himself that he could pitch in the starting rotation.

“I think he is completely comfortable with the idea that he will be used in a valuable role in the bullpen that could include piggybacking behind a guy like [Kumar] Rocker. It could include closing games on occasion. And he certainly would be the first option right now if the Rangers needed a starter.

“And I look at it this way, too: I think with some manipulation, very minimal manipulation of the starting rotation to take advantage of some off days early in the season, you may end up with the fifth spot pitching six times as a starter through the first 40 games. Latz, as a reliever, could pitch twice that many times, factor in twice as many games. We talked a little bit about that, too.

“I think the one thing that you would be on guard for is if Latz felt like he was slighted, and I didn’t get any impression from him that he felt slighted by the Rangers’ decision. I think he knew going in he was going to have to knock out Kumar Rocker in terms of performance to win that job, because the Rangers really like the way things set up if that have an adequate fifth starter, and they have Latz in the bullpen, it strengthens two areas.

“So, I think he understood that. I still think he wanted to win that job. I think it’s only natural to have a little bit of disappointment, and even if the first outing when he comes out is a little bit, if you wanna say, ragged, or a little bit rusty. Maybe that happens. But I think he’s in a good place with all of this.

“I’m really … You know, as a reporter you do grow fond of some players, just because of how dedicated or how much candor they speak to you with, and Jacob falls in that category for me. I do think this is a kid who’s really dedicated to get the most out of himself, and he’s an easy kid to root for, I guess is the best way you would say it.”

Full episode.

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