Final thoughts on Texas Rangers’ win over the Mariners: Is the bullpen finally an asset?

ARLINGTON - For the last year plus, we’ve operated under these guidelines when it came to talking about the Rangers bullpen:

If at all possible, don’t.

Maybe times are changing. The bullpen was asked to carry a heavy load in Wednesday’s 5-1 win over Seattle and it was no problem at all. It’s becoming something of a habit. And things may only be getting better there.

The trio of Jonathan Hernández, making his 2024 debut, David Robertson and Grant Anderson combined for 4.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two baserunners. The bullpen got as many strikeouts and one less out than starter Jon Gray and also did it in nearly 30 pitches fewer (63 for the relievers; 92 for Gray).

Over the last three games, the bullpen has held opponents scoreless over 12 inning on five hits, three walks and 12 strikeouts. That’s worth talking about. The arrival of Hernández gives them another potential middle reliever with elite stuff (it’s never been the stuff that’s been an issue, just the command). The return of Josh Sborz appears imminent. It should also lessen the workload on both Robertson and closer Kirby Yates, the two most senior members of the bullpen.

“Roles are going to get even more defined,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “Jonathan had a really good debut. He had good command, a good sinker and a good slider. He’s going to help us.”

A bullpen that’s an asset. What a concept.

Anyway, here are some other VERY IMPORTANT final thoughts from Wednesday:

Most valuable day off: The Rangers were able to stay away from using closer Kirby Yates on Wednesday. Significant. The expected activation of Sborz means the Rangers should have Sborz and Yates to work the final two innings on Thursday should they have a lead to protect, which is significant, because Robertson certainly won’t be available after pitching two innings.

Robertson has worked very hard in April. He leads the team in appearances with 12. Not necessarily a stat in which you want your team leader to be a 39-year-old.

Weirdest start: Jon Gray made another strong case for being an eventual key part of the Rangers’ bullpen at some point this season. He seems to be more aggressive and attacks hitters more confidently when he pitches in relief (as seen in last year’s postseason). Gray threw 31 pitches in a painful first inning Wednesday, assuring that the Rangers would have to turn to their bullpen early. Gray minimized damage, but as he said, citing Def Leppard, there was too much f-f-f-foolin.

“A lot of wasted pitches,” he said. “I need more quick innings.”

Worst trend: The bullpen has been great, but you don’t want to burn them out either. The bullpen is going to log heavy innings in this series. Dane Dunning went only 4.1 innings on Tuesday and Gray 4.2 Wednesday. Thursday’s starter is Andrew Heaney, who has made it through five innings only once in four starts and is averaging 20.5 pitches per inning.

Best stat: The Rookie Wonders, Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, reached base six times in eight plate appearances. It’s been an uneven April for them both. The Rangers aren’t concerned about them, but a bit of positive reinforcement in the way of results can’t hurt.

Carter entered the game in a 3 for 26 skid that had dropped his season batting average to .200. Langford entered in a 3 for 21.

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