Rangers Try To Sort Out Pitchers

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SURPRISE, Ariz. — The drive to determine starting pitcher No. 5 for Texas begins to take shape when the Rangers open Cactus League play Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals.

Texas will go with a six-man rotation early in spring games while trying to get the starting candidates two innings in each of the first six games. Pitching coach Mike Maddux said the club plans to use all 30 healthy pitchers in camp in the first six games.

Ross Detwiler is the only left-hander in the crowded battle for the No. 5 spot along with right-handers Nick Tepesch, Nick Martinez, Lisalverto Bonilla and Anthony Ranaudo.

Four of the five pitched in Sunday’s intrasquad game, and none did anything to hamper his chances. All four notched scoreless innings, with Martinez the only one who didn’t pitch in the game.

Those vying for the spot know it won’t be easy.

“It’s no secret we’re competing,” said Martinez, who made the jump from

Double-A to the Opening Day rotation last season and went 5-12 with a 4.55 ERA in 29 appearances (24 starts). “You can only focus on what you can do. We’ve got to have sniper focus as a team, but that also plays individually. Especially early in camp, you’ve got to have that sniper focus and try and work on what you need to do.”

If experience means anything, then Detwiler has the edge. The 28-year-old veteran has made 69 starts in his career and is 20-32 lifetime with a 3.82 ERA. However, Detwiler, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals in the offseason, could be a victim of his own versatility. He also pitched in 63 games as a reliever in his career, and the Rangers are thin from the left side.

Texas currently has just two healthy lefty relievers in camp, Martire Garcia and Alex Claudio.

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