Veteran right-hander Kyle Lohse struggled last season, but could provide a boost to either the Texas Rangers or Los Angeles Angels’ rotation and/or bullpen.
The Texas Rangers received a blow to their rotation this weekend as resurgent right-hander A.J. Griffin was placed on the disabled list with right shoulder stiffness, per John Blake of the Texas Rangers.
The Los Angeles Angels have been looking for rotation help after ace Garrett Richards went down and Andrew Heaney experienced a setback in his rehab. Veteran righty Kyle Lohse is seen as a possibility for both clubs, as Jon Heyman of MLB Network noted that the Rangers are also in pursuit of the 37-year-old.
The Rangers are currently 16th in the majors with a 3.94 team ERA, so before Griffin went down, help wasn’t absolutely necessary. But with Griffin coming off of Tommy John surgery and a lengthy injury history, adding Lohse would certainly provide the team with depth.
If Griffin can stay healthy, the team has a solid number two or three starter. The 28-year-old currently has a 2.94 ERA and 1.13 WHIP with a 7.34 K/9 this season. While he’s seen success in his return, his walks have been an issue with a robust 3.74 BB/9.
With Cole Hamels pitching well at the top of the rotation and Yu Darvish scheduled to make his third rehab appearance on Tuesday, the Rangers may only need Lohse for a short period of time.
Last season, Lohse had arguably the worst season of his major league career. In 152.1 innings for the Milwaukee Brewers, he posted a 5.85 ERA with a 5.12 FIP while allowing 1.71 HR/9. Lohse was eventually removed from the rotation, but his struggles continued in a long relief role.
While he struggled for the most part, Lohse managed to limit his walks with a 2.54 BB/9. Bad luck could have played a major part in his struggles, too, as opponents managed a .314 BABIP against him. MLB Trade Rumors noted that Lohse had a 3.62 ERA and 3.86 FIP from 2010-14, which he would need to match in order to make his signing worth the investment for Texas.
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With a somewhat unreliable trio of Martin Perez, Colby Lewis and Derrick Holland behind Hamels and Darvish, the Rangers would be wise to add depth in case one of them falters.
The Angels, on the other hand, are in desperate need of any sort of pitching help. With Jered Weaver as the only veteran in the rotation, the team looks to be in panic mode. Lohse would represent a potentially solid back end option to fill the gap if/when Heaney can return to the rotation, as well as Tyler Skaggs, who would both likely become the team’s two top rotation options.
It’s unlikely a bidding war will erupt between the two AL West rivals, but there could be a serious power play at stake. Texas, currently second in the AL West at 18-14, are much more likely to make a run at the playoffs while the Angels, currently 13-18 on the season and fourth in the division, will likely begin a free fall any day.
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Whether Lohse wants to be relegated to the bullpen on a contender or help a weak team gain depth remains to be seen. If Lohse isn’t a fit, perhaps both clubs should consider taking a long, good look at the Freak.