The Texas Rangers are set to take on the Tampa Bay Rays in the finale of their three-game series, with first pitch set for 2:05 EST. The Rangers took the first two games against the Rays and have moved to within two games of the best record in the American League. The Rangers won the first game 3-2 with a walk-off wild pitch. The second game saw Nathan Eovaldi make his first start since the All-Star break, and he was dominant as he has been all season, going six innings, giving up two hits, and striking out two; he didn’t give up a run. Before today’s game starts, the Rangers made the following roster moves.
Texas Rangers Roster Moves
- RHP Alex Speas contract selected from AAA Round Rock
- LHP John King optioned to AAA Round Rock
- LHP Taylor Hearn Designated for Assignment
Roster Move by the numbers
Alex Speas
Speas has played for the Rangers AA affiliate, the Frisco RoughRiders, and the AAA Round Rock Express. He combined to appear in 28 games and go 4-0 with a 1.00 ERA; he recorded 59 strikeouts in 36 innings. He has a 0.97 WHIP, a 3.8 BB/9, and a 14.8 K/9. He appeared in five games with the Express, going 1-0 with a 2.35 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 36 innings of work. He has a 1.17 WHIP, a 2.3 BB/9, and a 14.1 K/9 in AAA.
John King
King has spent time with the Rangers and their AAA affiliate, the Round Rock Express. He appeared in 15 games with Texas, going 1-1 with a 5.79 ERA and ten strikeouts in 18.2 innings of work. He had a 3.56 FIP, a 1.60 WHIP, a 1.9 BB/9, and a 4.8 K/9. With the Express, who he is reporting to, he appeared in nine games, with two being starts; he was 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. He had a 1.44 WHIP, a 2.6 BB/9, and a 5.7 K/9.
Taylor Hearn
Hearn, like King, has spent time with the Rangers and the Express. He appeared in four games with the Rangers, going 0-0 with a 10.29 ERA and seven strikeouts in seven innings of work. He had a 4.87 FIP, a 1.85 WHIP, a 5.1 BB/9, and a 9.0 K/9. With the Express, he appeared in 24 games, with two being starts; he was 2-2 with a 3.66 ERA and had 54 strikeouts in 39.1 innings of work. He posted a 1.85 WHIP, a 5.1 BB/9, and a 9.0 K/9.
