For the past 2 months, I have hoped the Rangers would find 5 guys out of the mix that would eat innings and keep this team in the ballgame.  Obviously that has not happened and Texas over the past week has fallen to 11 1/2 games out of the wild card.  When a pitcher gets called up or someone comes off the DL, another gets hurt.  At this point of the season, if a team’s rotation is not solid, it typically means the bullpen is over worked.  I think this bullpen is very talented and capable of taking a team to the playoffs.  But guys have had to change roles, (such as Wright having to be the eighth inning guy and Guardado stepping into the closer role) others have had to start games (we had one game that was started by the bullpen), and it can only go on for so long before it catches up.  It is now mid-August and Rangers starters have averaged only 5 1/3 innings per start for the season and the bullpen is completely worn out.  For now lets see if we can get guys healthy and finish the season.

Good news is Kinsler will likely not require season ending surgery.  It is unfortunate because this is the third straight season he has missed significant time due to injury.  If he did not play another game this season, he could still win the batting title since he has enough at-bats to qualify.

If Chris Davis can play third base, I think this is an excellent situation for the Rangers.  Although Vazquez and Metcalf can play third, Texas does not have anyone that can be a regular at the hot corner.  The Rangers have many options at first base (Max Ramirez, Blalock, Catalanatto).  Some think Davis is too big to play third but this was his original position in the minors.  If this works, it gives the Rangers depth and will really play into their ability to make a trade this off-season.

Brandon McCarthy starts on Saturday after pitching 13 scoreless innings in his AAA rehab starts.  I am sure he will be at a pitch limit, but lets hope he is healthy and can be the solid starter we traded for.