The Rangers are toying with the idea of making Tommy Hunter a reliever, the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram reports. To that end, Hunter will pitch an inning out of the bullpen on Wednesday.Hunter has been rehabbing from a groin injury that has knocked him out of the entire season. In fact, it was Hunter's injury in late spring training that opened the door for Alexi Ogando to start.
"It's to see if [Hunter] can do it, see how he recovers," manager Ron Washington said. "That's not in stone."
The Rangers need some help in long relief, as Dave Bush isn't quite working out in that role. The Rangers, as the Telegram notes, are always committed to the best 12-man staff on the roster, even if that forces starters to move to the bullpen.
While Hunter racked up a 3.73 ERA and 4.51 xFIP last season for the Rangers over 22 starts and one bullpen appearance, Texas does not need rotation help at the moment. By moving the righty, who has not relieved since college, into the bullpen, they can add some extra insurance for the rotation while perhaps getting Hunter back earlier than they may otherwise feel comfortable with should he continue starting games.For more baseball news, rumors and analysis, follow @cbssportsmlb on Twitter or subscribe to the RSS feed.
