We all saw starter Nick Tepesch take one off the wrist of his pitching hand last night, and we all collectively let out our breath when we heard that he should be able to make his next start. Emphasis on the word should.
If Tepesch is not able to make his next start, however, the Rangers will have to turn to inside the organization for answers. Here are the candidates that I see being a possibility to replace Tepesch if he is not able to go.
Derek Lowe – I know a majority of Rangers fans (myself included) don’t have a whole lot of trust for Mr. Lowe, but his performance last night might have earned him the chance, if it were to come available. We all know how Ron likes to stay loyal to his guys. Most likely scenario if Tepesch were to miss a start in my opinion.
Michael Kirkman – this one will make a twitter friend of mine go absolutely crazy (you know who you are @SigiGutierrez21) because he can’t stand Kirkman, and even though his numbers don’t show it, every time Kirkman comes into a game we all get nervous. Since he was an original candidate for the fifth starter spot during Spring Training, we can’t rule him out as the man Ron will pick for the job.
Brad Mills (Round Rock) – Mills is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA in three starts for the Express, and those numbers are hard to ignore. He is having a great April and I would not be shocked if he were to get the call to come up if the need arises. He has 14 strikeouts to just 4 walks. Like I said, great April.
Josh Lindbloom (Round Rock)– Lindbloom was the major league ready pitcher that we got in the Michael Young trade. He had a terrible spring and wound up starting the season with the Express. In 4 games so far Lindbloom is 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA. Great start. He has 18 strikeouts and just 4 walks. He could definitely be considered if Tepesch is hurt long term.
Ben Rowen (Frisco)– Rowen has appeared in 5 games for the RoughRiders and is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA. Pretty impressive, and as we know Robbie and Nick came straight from AA ball.
Neil Ramirez (Frisco)– Ramirez is 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in three games so far. He has 18 strikeouts but he has also walked 9. Ramirez is a name some Rangers fans are familiar with, but I am not sure if he is ready yet. Nine walks in three games is a lot.
So that is just my best guess of the possible Rangers moves if Tepesch is down long term instead of him returning for his next start. And let me be on the record saying that Tepesch starting his next turn up would be the best scenario.
