Rangers sign former high-profile reliever.
Despite what the Houston Astros, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and St. Louis Cardinals have accomplished in recent years, sustained success in baseball is difficult to find. Combating the unexpected character of the sport is a difficult task that might befall even the defending champions. The Texas Rangers’ World Series title defense is going well so far, though.
Bruce Bochy’s team is 5-2 in the early stages of the 2024 MLB season, with a one-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West.
April is obviously not the best time to focus on the rankings, but getting off to a good start is critical given how many AL teams are capable of sneaking up on fans like Texas did in 2023.
Any concerns about the Rangers receding into the background were exacerbated by an offseason that saw them lose critical postseason player Jordan Montgomery, slugger Mitch Garver, reliever Aroldis Chapman, and a slew of other bullpen pieces. It should be obvious by now that general manager Chris Young always has something up his sleeve, even if it isn’t flashy.
Rangers taking a chance on former top pitching prospect
Texas has inked a deal with right-handed pitcher Codi Heuer for a minor league contract, as reported by FanSided.com’s Robert Murray. He boasts a career ERA of 3.56 across 86 relief appearances split between the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs. Hindered by injuries, the promising trajectory he showed towards the end of 2021 couldn’t fully materialize.
Heuer underwent Tommy John surgery over two years ago and later had an elbow procedure that ended his season last June. Following his release from the Cubs in November, other teams were cautious due to his injury history. The Texas Rangers, known for their pitching staff’s health issues, appear to be a suitable fit for the 6-foot-5 pitcher.
With Max Scherzer rehabbing from offseason back surgery and Jacob deGrom recovering from Tommy John surgery last June, the starting pitching rotation might face depletion in the early part of the regular season. Consequently, the bullpen might have to shoulder more responsibility, potentially leading to exhaustion.
However, legendary manager Bruce Bochy is unlikely to be concerned about this pessimistic scenario unfolding presently. His team has managed well, despite perceived depth issues, boasting a 3.00 team ERA (ranking seventh).
While Jon Gray struggled in his initial outing, left-handed pitcher Cody Bradford, hailing from Aledo, Texas, has pleasantly surprised with a 2-0 record and a 2.13 ERA in his first two starts of 2024. Nevertheless, there are some concerns in the bullpen.
Can Codi Heuer be a valued reliever for Rangers later in the year?
Closer Jose Leclerc is struggling, with a 20.25 ERA and five walks in 2 2/3 innings pitched. Yerry Rodriguez is also struggling (7.36 ERA). The emergence of former All-Star David Robertson could help stabilize the bullpen, but other reinforcements may be required at some time.
Texas’ most recent acquisition could be called up soon if he can shake off the injury rust in the minors. Codi Heuer has some nasty stuff in his throwing arsenal, despite the fact that he hasn’t played in the major leagues in a long time. His slider, with its incredible movement, devastated batters and made many believe he may be a future closer.
It remains to be seen whether Heuer can ever regain that level, but the Rangers will not expect much from him at the start. Their goal is to keep the relief unit together long enough to make the playoffs. That approach worked beautifully for them last year, as players like Josh Sborz greatly surpassed their regular season numbers.
Heuer’s trip back to The Show has been lengthy, and while it is far from over, he has seen a potential opportunity with this franchise. While the 27-year-old makes the most of this nice opportunity, the Rangers continue their weekend series with in-state rivals the Houston Astros.
They want to build on Friday’s 10-2 thrashing when play resumes Saturday at Globe Life Field at around 7:05 p.m. ET.
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