Jacob Latz Could Secure a Spot in the Rangers’ Rotation
Pitcher Jacob Latz could have secured a spot in the Texas Rangers’ rotation, according to statements from manager Bruce Bochy. Bochy indicated that he will consider the possibility of including Latz as a starter. “Of course, he’s a weapon, whether he starts or is in the bullpen, but he’s stretched out. They’ve heard he has starting material,” said the manager. Latz had an outstanding performance on Tuesday night against Baltimore, going into the seventh inning without allowing any hits. Although the Rangers squandered a four-run lead, they managed to come back and win the game 6-5 in 10 innings. Latz’s performance included personal records in innings pitched (six complete) and pitches (88), reducing his effectiveness to 3.22 on the season.In his third start of his career and the second of the season, Latz didn’t allow hits until Ramon Laureano hit a single to center field at the beginning of the seventh inning. After a walk, Latz was replaced. Chris Martin entered as a reliever and allowed home runs to Gary Sánchez, Ramón Urías and Ryan O’Hearn, leaving the Rangers down 5-4. A sacrifice fly by Jonah Heim in the following inning tied the game, and Evan Carter scored on a Sam Haggerty groundout in the tenth inning. Latz granted three bases on balls and struck out four batters, including the last three of the fifth inning. His previous longest outing in the Major Leagues was on Thursday, when he pitched 5 2/3 innings in relief against Kansas City.I was trying to enjoy it all today. It was a lot of fun out there.
Jacob Latz
Being a starting pitcher is one of the best jobs in baseball. I’m not going to say I don’t want to be a starter. Obviously, I do. I’m comfortable either way, obviously. If it’s in the rotation, it’s great.
Jacob Latz
