Texas Rangers Have Inquired About Rick Porcello

Already the subject of rumors over the past few weeks, Rick Porcello could be of interest to the Texas Rangers. (Image Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports)

Apparently there’s a little more concern about the Texas Rangers starting rotation than we originally anticipated after word came out late last night/early this morning that Martin Perez would miss at least the next four weeks. The left-hander fractured his ulna after being hit by a line drive during yesterday’s game, coupled with a disappointing start by his chief internal competitor Justin Grimm, and suddenly Texas has a question at the back of their rotation.

It would seem the Rangers have already made some inquiries, including a call to the Detroit Tigers about the availability of Rick Porcello, according to ESPNNewYork.com’s Adam Rubin.

Texas is one of several teams to have scouted Porcello recently. The right-hander has been the subject of trade rumors over the past few weeks, though there seemingly have not been any serious discussions between the Tigers and another organization. The 24 year old went 10-12 this past season with a 4.59 ERA and 1.531 WHIP over 176.1 IP, his fourth consecutive season topping 162 IP. Slated to make $5.1 Million this year and still under team control for two more, Porcello’s ground ball tendencies could certainly be attractive to the Rangers.

Naturally most of the early speculation following Perez’s injury turned to the team’s possible pursuit of Kyle Lohse. He’s still available and would be a marked upgrade for the Rangers, but his cost is likely prohibitive and the Rangers don’t appear interested in making such a commitment.