The question about whether Yu Darvish would be the Opening Day starter has unfortunately been answered for the Texas Rangers.
Now with Darvish’s season in doubt because of possible Tommy John surgery, the Rangers have to find a new ace as well as piece together the rest of a rotation that appeared to be a strength when camp opened last month.
The starters still believe that can be the case.
“I think it’s fine,” said right-hander Colby Lewis, who was penciled in as the No. 4 starter coming into camp. “You saw how many guys were fighting for the fifth spot that have a lot of experience in the big leagues, so I think we’re going to be fine. It opens the door up for a couple of younger guys to be more relaxed and go out there and perform a little bit.”
Darvish isn’t the only member of the rotation ailing. Left-hander Derek Holland still hasn’t pitched in a Cactus League game, but he is supposed to start Saturday.
The Darvish injury likely sews up a rotation spot for left-hander Ross Detwiler, who was competing for the No. 5 spot. Detwiler allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings in his first outing of the spring.
If the Rangers decide to stay within the organization to fill out the rotation, which general manager Jon Daniels said would be his preference, the frontrunners are right-handers Nick Tepesch and Nick Martinez.
Tepesch started 22 games for the Rangers last season and Martinez made 24 starts in his rookie season.
Right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla and nonroster invitee Chi Gonzalez are also getting longer rotation looks now because of the Darvish injury.
Gonzalez pitched three scoreless innings Monday against Oakland.