Texas Rangers: 5 Offseason Likelihoods
By Reid Hanson
Oct 8, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo throws a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays in game one of the ALDS at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Fred Thornhill-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Texas Rangers Likelihood #5: The Rotation will be without Yovani Gallardo
Finally, we look at the pitching situation and Yovani Gallardo’s future on the Texas Rangers. As we discussed in great detail yesterday, Gallardo’s 2015 performance likely priced him right out the Rangers budget.
After making $14M on the last year of his five year deal, Gallardo rejected the Rangers’ qualifying offer of $15.8M. Gallardo, 30, has his eyes set on a multiyear deal and coming off a career-best 3.42 ERA, there’s no better time that now.
The Texas Rangers should be situated well enough to take the loss. Gallardo will be tough to replace – but certainly not impossible. Cole Hamels will lead the rotation and Yu Darvish is expected to return in May.
"“I think we’re looking at 14 months [recovery], which would put him middle to end of May,” Daniels said. “Could he beat that by a week or so? Could it be a week or two after that? Certainly, we’re gonna be smart with him because we do think he’s an impact piece.”"
The other shoe-ins for the rotation are Derek Holland and Martin Perez. Spring training will likely decide in what order but as long as they’re healthy, they’re locks. Then, as discussed earlier, there’s a good chance the Rangers bring back workhorse pitcher, Colby Lewis.
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Lewis can pitch in the four spot while Darvish works his way back and then slide to the fifth spot when everyone’s back and healthy. Considering the Rangers poor track record of having “everyone healthy”, Lewis would probably spend most of his time as the #4 pitcher- A place well-suited for Lewis.
Finally the Rangers have Chi Chi Gonzalez and Nick Martinez waiting in the wings and ready to compete with anyone else the Rangers throw into the mix.
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Assuming Yu Darvish can get back on schedule, and the Rangers stay relatively healthy with their other starters, they should be able to withstand the loss of Yovani Gallardo.