MLB Trade Rumors: Teams Eyeing Rangers Relievers

Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reported yesterday that the Texas Rangers are fielding calls from teams interested in their bullpen arms.  Grant lists Mark Lowe and Koji Uehara as the pair of Rangers relievers “more expendable” than others.

Entering the spring, the Rangers projected to break camp with a seven-man ‘pen.  At the time, Texas seemed content going with seven right-handers.

However, Grant said young left-hander Robbie Ross has stepped up and “forced his way into the roster picture”.  If Ross makes the cut, that means one of the others will have to go.

At this point, Grant lists Lowe and Uehara as more expendable than other Ranger relievers.  Lowe and Uehara can each become free agents following the 2012 season.  Both have reportedly been on the trade block for some time, and Texas actually had a deal in place with the Toronto Blue Jays for Uehara until he nixed it.

Both are solid veterans, and while Lowe sports the power arm many managers and GM’s love, Uehara has the better track record.

Over his 65 innings pitched in 2011, Uehara posted an ERA and WHIP of 2.35 and 0.723.  The 36-year-old tallied 11.8 SO/9 while only allowing 1.2 BB/9.  Though he’s a right-hander, Grant pointed out that Uehara held lefties to a .130 batting average last season.

In exchange for either pitcher, Grant said the Rangers will be looking for a middle infielder who can play short or a right-handed hitting outfielder for their bench.

For more on the Rangers, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’.

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