Cole Ragans Role for Rangers

Originally posted on Texas Rangers on SI | By Alex Plinck | Last updated 3/24/23

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy made it clear after Thursday's game against the Oakland Athletics what pitcher Cole Ragans' role will be this season. Whether that’s with the big league club or in the minors is yet to be determined.

"[Reliever] would be his role,” Bochy said. “He needs to feel comfortable in that role, and I think he is. I think he will be fine in a role like that."

For Ragans, the only times he's pitched out of the bullpen have been either this spring or in the minor leagues. In 2016, he had two relief appearances in rookie ball and in 2021 two relief outings with the Double-A Frisco RoughRiders. While his daily routine would change, Bochy is confident Ragans can handle a relief role "100 percent."

"Routine would have to have tweaks," Ragans said.

In Ragans' last two outings, he's given up nine runs (eight earned), nine hits, five walks and two home runs while throwing a total of seven innings. Before the stretch, Ragans allowed three runs in 9 2/3 innings (four appearances).

Despite the struggles, there's been a lot of upside for Ragans in spring, significantly his fastball velocity. On Thursday, Ragans hit 95 mph, a consistent throughout spring. Regardless of the ups and downs, the mentality for Ragans remains the same.

"I try to worry what I can control," Ragans said. "Control what I can control and let the rest take care of itself."

With Opening Day starter Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi on pitch counts early this season, it would make sense for Ragans to be available out of the bullpen. But the Opening Day roster has yet to be released.

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