Bullpen replacement for Alexi Ogando leaves the Texas Rangers perplexed
Texas Rangers’ Ron Washington had the honours to stand as a backstop catcher when Triple-A Round Rock Express’ former manager, Jamie Moore, went out to deliver a ceremonial pitch on the mound. However, his role did not end there, as the press hovered over
him for answers pertaining to Alexi Ogando’s replacement in the bullpen. The hurler, who switched from a relief role to a rotational one, has left a big gap in the team that will need a player to fill soon.
With Tommy Hunter’s injury, Washington was called in to make a tough decision. However, with the die already casted, the question now points to the vacant position in the pen. Ogando was a useful setup man for Netfali Feliz in the eighth inning. With Ogando
out of the picture, closing could get difficult for Feliz.
"We really haven't decided who will be our No. 1 eighth-inning guy," Washington said on Wednesday. "It may have to play out by committee, but we feel comfortable with it that as we go along, those guys will position themselves."
However, there are three stars in the mix for the role and there is a possibility that Washington will be able to manage damage control. Mark Lowe is one man who can fill in. His throws have been strong in spring training, but he has not been able to work
on his concession as his Cactus League Earning Runs Average was 12. Darren O’Day, on the other hand, had an average of 8.00. He has been finding it hard to locate his pitches.
Pedro Strop is the last option and is likely to lead the role. He allowed three runs off 10 hits in 11 innings of play in the Cactus League.
"He's got the stuff, but he's got to earn that role," Washington said. "We're very confident he can get us outs. As we move forward, he will be showing us where he'll be used."
Strop can surely pick the right line if given the chance. His earning runs average was 1.91 with Triple-A Oklahoma City in 39 games, last season.
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