Rangers’ reliver Chris Martin made his first rehab appearance since going on the injured list on April 15th
The Round Rock Express began their six game home series today against the San Francisco Giants’ AAA affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. The River Cats won easily 9-2.
Maybe it was the early start time, but the offense for Express never really got started. Sacramento pitchers, Spencer Bivens, Nick Zwack, and Marques Johnson combined for 6.2 no hit innings.
DH Jonah Bride ended the no hitter in the bottom of the 7th when he hit a single to Sacramento shortstop Osleivis Basabe. Round Rock was held to just two hits for the game.
Round Rock left hander, Austin Gomber gave up 4 runs on 4 hits in 5.1 innings. Gomber just two seasons ago made 30 starts for the Colorado Rockies. In 7 seasons and 168 MLB games, Gomber has an ERA of 5.08. Five of those seasons have been in the harsh pitching conditions of Coors Field. He currently has an ERA of 7.75 and is 0-5.
Texas Rangers’ reliver Chris Martin made his first rehab assignment today after going on the 15-day injured list on April 15th. Martin threw 17 pitches and gave up 2 HRs and 4 total hits for 4 runs in 0.2 innings.
Prior to going on the injured list for right shoulder impingement, Martin had an ERA of 7.11 in 8 Games. If you’re the Rangers, you have to ask yourself this question. Who out of the current bullpen would you trade a roster spot for to bring back Martin? After all the Rangers as of 05/12 have the best bullpen ERA in baseball at 2.62.
The reality is that they probably won’t have to. Injuries are part of baseball and pitching. Sooner or later someone in the bullpen is going to go on the injured list. MLB teams can keep pitchers on rehab assignments for 30 days. Until then there is no reason to rush Martin back.