.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Texas Rangers are off to a 3-1 start despite opening the season as underdogs against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The early success has been fueled by productive starts by MacKenzie Gore and Jack Leiter, who have combined for 15 strikeouts and only four runs allowed over 11.1 innings of work.
But the most overlooked strength early has been their rebuilt bullpen. The bullpen leads MLB with a 0.56 ERA, allowing one earned run in 16 innings.
Rangers relievers lead MLB with a 0.56 ERA (1 ER/16.0 IP). The relief trio of Junis/Beeks/Alexander covered the final 3.0 IP last night, using just 31 total pitches (2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO).
The pen has .182 opp. BA that ranks as 2nd-lowest in A.L. #AllForTx pic.twitter.com/Y2gtzYPwKq
Bullpen anchors Rangers’ surge
The Rangers' bullpen has been a point of emphasis since their 2023 championship run.
The 2025 bullpen was productive, posting a 3.62 ERA that ranked fifth in the MLB. But it still had a glaring hole in the back end of games. After losing All-Star closer Kirby Yates in free agency to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Rangers struggled to replace his production, converting just 37 of 66 save opportunities.
Entering 2026, Texas completely revamped its bullpen, bringing in versatile veterans like Jalen Beeks and Tyler Alexander. They also addressed the saves situation by turning to a closer-by-committee, with Chris Martin and Robert Suarez sharing responsibilities.
Small sample size alert but the Rangers bullpen leads MLB with a 0.56 ERA. Impressive work last night with some key relievers unavailable.
Tyler Alexander had one career save prior to 2026...he has two in four games this year.
The moves come as the Rangers try to shake a postseason hangover after missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons following their 2023 World Series title. The stretch prompted a reset of key pieces from their championship core.
The reset included moving on from key contributors to the title run, as Texas allowed 2023 ALCS MVP Adolís Garcia to sign with the Phillies in free agency and traded second baseman Marcus Semien to the New York Mets.
Texas also allowed catcher Jonah Heim to sign with the Atlanta Braves in free agency after he emerged as one of their most consistent hitters and helped guide an injury-plagued pitching staff through the championship season
While the team still has holes, the front office believes it is moving in the right direction. A steady bullpen could allow Texas to shift its focus to rebuilding the lineup and continuing to develop the rotation.
English (US)