Last season, manager Ron Washington went with Colby Lewis as the Texas Rangers‘ Opening Day starter. This coming season, the decision has to be between Matt Harrison and Yu Darvish.
Both pitchers had stellar seasons in 2012, and, as a result, both players have made a strong case to toe the rubber on Opening Day in 2013.
The biggest loss is Neftali Feliz, who moved into the rotation last season after two All-Star-caliber seasons as the closer. Feliz is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and will likely make his return to the Rangers bullpen sometime in the middle of the season.
Washington will have some interesting decisions on how to set up his starting staff. Let’s take a look at the Rangers’ projected rotation, starting with the No. 5 starter.