ARLINGTON — The actual process that led right-handed pitcher Trevor Williams to the Texas Rangers happened “fairly quick” after a single day of unemployment, he said, but the recruitment started months ago.
“All year, MacKenzie [Gore] has been blowing up my phone, about how great Texas is a this organization,” Williams said with a laugh before Tuesday’s game vs. the Athletics at Globe Life Field. “It’s been a team that I’ve always wanted to come to.”
Williams missed the bulk of this season after elbow surgery but had a 2.65 ERA in eight games pitched out of the bullpen before the Washington Nationals designated him for assignment last week. The 34-year-old had worked exclusively as a starter for the previous three seasons before he transitioned into a relief role with the Nationals upon his return from the injured list last month. He last pitched Aug. 23 but played catch at a San Diego-area high school in between gigs to stay fresh.
“I feel great,” Williams said. “I feel ready to pitch.”
“Whether it’s for one inning, or five innings, or however many of them,” Williams said, “I’m just excited to still be pitching.”
Schumaker said that Gore — who spent three seasons with Williams on the Nationals before he was traded this winter — “was pushing for him.”
“It’s good to have him,” Schumaker said. “and knowing that guys liked him was obviously a plus.”