This was CY's interview, yesterday.

https://www.audacy.com/1053thefan/sports/texas-rangers/chris-young-on-rangers-injuries-potential-leiter-call-up

At the 7min mark he discusses the 6-Man rotation.

Love the way he addresses Burke.

Then, pre-emptively talks about Ragans. Asked if a trade like that makes him gun-shy. He said, "No, not really. You've gotta give up something to get something."

I think part of JD's demise came after signing Darvish and him having to have TJ and then seeing some of the trade-deadline deals not pan out.

Now, CY got a WS Ring, so that helps to not be gun-shy.

Luckily Detroit's ballpark should be somewhat friendly for him. We will see.

I really like what the Rangers are doing here.

Even if out of necessity to bring Leiter up, I like inserting a 6th guy into the rotation to get another day rest for the others.

I'd like to see Leiter go 5.0 IP, less than 2 ERs and no more than 2BBs. I'd let Urena know he is on alert for an extended outing. 2-3 IP.

If Leiter does well, you keep him for a 2nd GS and then decision time when Bradford returns.

Sure would be nice if Leiter comes up and shoves and puts the front office in a really tuff spot on what to do with the rotation, especially with Max less than a month away. The Heaney/ Gray inconsistencies may be an afterthought within a month.

Here is where we are:
4/16 Tu (Det): Jon Gray: 3GS, 4.38, 12.1 IP, 14 SO, 1.784 WHIP, 7BB
4/17 We (Det): Dunning: 3GS, 4.50 ERA, 18.0 IP, 17 SO, 1.167 WHIP, 9 BB
4/18 Th (Det): Leiter
4/19 Fr (Atl): Eovaldi: 4GS, 2.92 ERA, 24.2 IP, 22 SO, 1.014 WHIP, 6 BB
4/20 Sa (Atl): Lorenzen: 1GS, 0.00 ERA, 5.0 IP, 4 SO, 1.600 WHIP, 5 BB
4/21 Su (Atl): Jon Gray:
4/22 Off
4/23 Tu (vSea): Dunning:
4/24 We (vSea): Open
4/25 Th (vSea): Eovaldi

4/29 Off

5/08 Doubleheader @ Oakland
5/09 Off
5/16 Off

Bradford: 3GS, 1.40 ERA, 19.1 IP, 17 SO, 0.621 WHIP, 2 BB
- 15-Day IL retro to April 11. Could return on 26th.

Scherzer looking to return early May.

If Leiter does well and/or you like what you see, you could let him pitch again on the 24th against Seattle. If you have issues, you can return him and just use the Off day for normal rest. Then, Bradford returns and you'll either find Heaney/Gray/Dunning needing a stint on the IL, move Heaney to the BP? You have some choices... and then get ready to add Scherzer 2 weeks later. The DoubleHeader against Oakland would be nice place to insert Max.

Keeping in mind it will be a day game in Detroit... cooler weather against a team they said has scored 46% of their Runs in the 8th Inning or later.

Part of Leiter's performance, IMO, will be numerical (PC, IP, BBs, etc) and part will be his approach and confidence. Does he attack the hitters or nibble? I'm expecting good numbers but also don't want to be overly critical.

If a SP is going to have success, I would think this is where it has to come. Lorenzen finished well with numbers (except BBs) but he also had factors in his favor. Next outing will be a better measure, IMO.

Swinging middle-middle fastball first pitch and popping it up....

If Carter starts swinging at pitches like that, he'll be riding that pine more often. Good lord.

Semien's approach at the plate is not ideal for a leadoff hitter. Really would love to see him moved to 2 or 3 with Carter leading off a few times.

I've always thought Semien would be much better suited for the two hole. He loves to swing first pitch and that is really not what I would want my leadoff hitter doing.

Umping already getting wonky...

Gray is looking filthy

Getting that low strike call

Langford continues to get screwed by umpires

Gonna be tuff to score runs today with this zone.

My goodness Baez....

That same pitch was a strike to Carter...

gigem1223 said:

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7-9 are almost auto outs at this point. Walsh is slumping since the first week, Leody seems to be barreling more balls lately but still struggling. Dont get me started on Knizner. Huff needs to be on this roster, if not to back up Heim but to also give us a big RH bat at DH that we currently don't have.

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Except that Knizner is actually 0 for anything on the year. At least 7 and 9 get on base from time to time.

Yikes

For as disciplined as Carter is at the plate, he's very undisciplined in the field.

Oof.

Lot of players not looking mentally locked in

WTF Carter.

There was no need for that because the guy wasn't scoring from first. He could have gone down to a knee to field it. Who cares of that guy wants to go first to first to third with two outs...

Seager with two outs totaling close to 800'...

Holy crap what a throw by Baez....

At this point I just want to see a competitive at bat.

Nobody gonna support Gray???

Good quick inning. Time to take the momentum back.