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Texas Rangers 2015 Position Preview: Starting Pitchers

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Texas Rangers 2015 Position Preview: Starting Pitchers

Derek Holland Texas Rangers
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The loss of Yu Darvish in spring training was a major blow to the rotation of the Texas Rangers, as the perennial All-Star was the clear leader of the group and the team’s main hope for a successful season this year. However, not all is lost for the Rangers as GM Jon Daniels has accumulated through trades and the draft a starting rotation that could help keep them competitive in the tough AL West. Here’s an in depth look at each starter.

5. Nick Martinez

Nick Martinez Texas Rangers
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5. Nick Martinez

Nick Martinez Texas Rangers
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Martinez is a young prospect with a lot of potential, but it was clear that he was not quite ready for the big leagues as he struggled to get outs and was knocked around quite a bit last season. He did, however, work on his game in the offseason and the results showed with the great spring training he had. He earned himself a spot in the rotation, and the coaches believe that he is on his way to figuring out how to be successful in the majors.

4. Ross Detwiler

Ross Detwiler Texas Rangers
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4. Ross Detwiler

Ross Detwiler Texas Rangers
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Because the Washington Nationals have such a deep rotation, Detwiler didn’t get many opportunities to start there. However, when he was given the chance in 2012, he performed well to the tune of 10 wins and an ERA of 3.40. The Rangers are hoping for similar success this year as injuries have once again opened the door for him to show exactly what he can do.

3. Colby Lewis

Colby Lewis Texas Rangers
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3. Colby Lewis

Colby Lewis Texas Rangers
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Lewis is a nine-year veteran who has consistently been the Rangers’ best pitcher when they have reached postseason play. His veteran presence should help out the youngsters, as he appears to have finally recovered from hip surgery and may be on his way back to being a top three guy in the rotation.

2. Derek Holland

Derek Holland Texas Rangers
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2. Derek Holland

Derek Holland Texas Rangers
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Holland’s strong fastball allows him to consistently strike out hitters when he and his team needs it the most. He has a propensity to walk too many hitters at times which gets him into trouble, but his play of late suggests that he is finally starting to figure it out. As a result he has lowered his WHIP and his ERA, and Rangers fans should expect an All-Star caliber year from Holland this season.

1. Yovani Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo Texas Rangers
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1. Yovani Gallardo

Yovani Gallardo Texas Rangers
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Gallardo has a career WHIP of 1.30 and an ERA of 3.71, both of which are pretty average, but what the team likes about him is that he is an innings eater. He is a guy who can pitch 200 innings a season, and he has shown the ability to get a strikeout per inning. Look for Gallardo to be a top of the rotation performer this year.

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