According to the Star-Telegram, the Rangers have sent (supposed) rotation candidate Michael Kirkman back to Triple-A. Lone Star Ball's insta-analysis ...
Rangers Set Rotation, Neftali Feliz Out
Kirkman was one of the candidates for the final two spots in the rotation. It appears now that, if Neftali Feliz is in the bullpen, Derek Holland and Matt Harrison will be in the rotation. If Feliz is in the rotation, then either Holland or Harrison will get bumped and would likely move to the bullpen.
A decision should be coming shortly. My guess, at this point, is Feliz in the bullpen, Holland and Harrison to the rotation.
Holland seems a relatively easy choice. Despite being a 25th-round draft pick, he zipped through the minors and pitched reasonably well for the big club last season. As long as he keeps the ball in the park, he should be fine.
Harrison’s a different story, having never done anything to suggest he’s good enough to start for a contending team. Statistically, anyhow. In 32 major-league starts (and 181 innings), he’s got a 5.67 ERA and a poor (1.40) strikeout-to-walk ratio. He wasn’t dominant in his brief Triple-A stint, nor in Double-A.
I don’t mean to suggest I know more about Harrison than the Rangers’ brain trust knows. I’m just saying there’s no obvious reason to think he’s a better starting pitcher than Feliz.
Update: According to various reputable sources, Feliz has been bumped from tonight’s scheduled start, signaling his return to the bullpen. All hail the CLOSER.
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