Texas Rangers: Will Bartolo Colon Be Part Of The Rotation?
Bartolo Colon is one of the Texas Rangers’ newest signings. The 44-year-old veteran agreed to a minor league deal with the club last Sunday. The deal includes an invitation to spring training. It seems that Colon is still focused and motivated. In other words, retirement is not on his mind.
Bartolo Colon has been in the league since 1997. At 44-years-old, he’s currently the oldest player as well as the longest active player. Again, it doesn’t look like he’s quitting anytime soon. So the Texas Rangers decided to give him a shot. He’s veteran expertise ought to be a big help as well as his leadership.
Colon is coming off a mediocre 2017 season. He began last season with the Atlanta Braves but was designated for assignment and eventually released after putting up a 2-8 record with 8.14 ERA. Three days after his release from the Braves, he was picked up by the Minnesota Twins. He would begin his stint with the Twins in the minors but was called up ten days later to start against the New York Yankees, and he would remain in the majors for the remainder of the season. He finished 2017 with a 7-14 overall record and a career-high ERA of 6.48.
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Colon is hoping to turn things around this season. His first objective is to arrive at spring training healthy and in good shape. According to Matt Monagan, Colon spent the winter in his native Dominican Republic brushing up his pitching skills. That’ll certainly increase his chance of making the Opening Day roster.
Colon is one of at least half a dozen pitchers who’ll be competing for a spot in the rotation this spring training. His veteran expertise may give him an advantage, but when it comes to fighting for a place in a starting rotation, you can’t rely on what you’ve accomplished in the past to achieve something in the future. That being said, even Colon is not guaranteed anything and he’s going to have to earn his role.
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If Colon can efficiently perform and stay healthy this spring training, there’s no doubt he’ll earn a spot in the rotation for the Texas Rangers. He’s expected to report next week with the rest of the pitchers, as well as the catchers. Pitchers and catchers will hold their first workout next Thursday.