Texas Rangers’ starter Alexi Ogando enjoying role in bullpen, again – MLB Playoffs
The Texas Rangers may not be involved in any game at the moment but they have been working on their pitching rotation for the past few days since they clinched a spot in the American League Championship Series.
The club took out the Tampa Bay Rays to get to the next stage of the playoffs and they are now on the verge of going back to the World Series again, following their 2010 World Series loss to the San Francisco Giants.
Manager Ron Washington declared yesterday that he plans to keep Alexi Ogando in the bullpen till further notice. The move brings to attention the views of the player himself, who started for the Rangers in 29 games and went 13-8 in the regular season .
"We're committed to Ogando in the bullpen," Washington said. "He gives us too much for the situation we are in."
Ogando talked to the reporters from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Thursday, October 6 and told them that he is enjoying his role in the bullpen recently. The hurler was 4-1 with an earned run average of 1.30 in 44 games, last year. His return to the bullpen
as a regular reliever has seen him pitch just over two innings against the Rays in the American League Division Series.
The player struck-out two hitters and allowed one hit during the whole campaign.
"If that's what is best for the team, I will be ready to help the team," Ogando said. "That's what I am here for, to do what I can to help the team."
The fellow relievers are pleased to see the star back in the mix to help the pen work out the late hitters in the playoffs.
"Ogando is huge down there," pitcher Darren Oliver said. "Throwing one or two innings, he can just let it fly and let it head to any spot."
There is concern over the current roster of bullpen relievers in the mix. With Ogando, Mike Adams, Neftali Feliz and Koji Uehara in the mix, the management is thinking of adding more power to the club.
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