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Are Texas Rangers gambling too much on Jacob Latz as a bullpen option this Sunday against Nationals
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It is a bullpen game with a lot on the line this Sunday, June 8, 2025, between the Texas Rangers and Washington Nationals. With the Rangers set for the decisive Game 7 of the ALCS vs. the Houston Astros, some eyebrows were raised across the baseballing world after the Rangers chose to start left-handed reliever Jacob Latz.
Considering Latz is best suited for the bullpen and a bullpen game is an unusual concept, is Texas rolling the dice too hard with Latz in such a big game?
Jacob Latz's transition from reliever to starter
Jacob Latz, who is currently 29 years old, has mostly earned his reputation as a left-handed reliever for the Rangers during the 2025 season. So far this year, he has shown remarkable control and poise on the mound, with a solid 2.95 ERA over 12 appearances and 20 strikeouts to 8 walks, with a 1.42 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched).
Latz has now gone scoreless in at least seven consecutive innings, so he can hang tough for a few frames.
But tonight will be Latz's first official start for the season, putting him in hostile waters. The Rangers have been dealing with a barrage of pitching obstacles, whether it be injuries to top-of-the-rotation starters, which has forced the coaching staff to get creative. It's all led to a bullpen game, with Latz set to go multiple innings before the Rangers' relievers take over.
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Latz has looked fine out of the bullpen, but does he have the ability to hold up in a rotation, facing an MLB lineup? The Rangers also will be taking close note of everything that goes into being a starting pitcher, the preparation, the stamina, the mix of pitches, as contrasted with being a reliever.
The Nationals' lineup and how this affects the game
The Washington Nationals come into this set at 30-34 and are searching for a bit of rhythm with the bats. Latz has been part of an up-and-down offense this season, so that was likely why the Rangers decided to gamble with a bullpen game and him.
The Rangers are hoping that having Latz start first will throw the Nationals off with his unfamiliarity as a starter and have them make adjustments to a hitter who has had a hard time in relief.
The test for the Nationals will be early adjustments and finding any weaknesses. Latz will present as a starter. Should the Nationals find a way to score a few early runs, it would put tremendous pressure on the Rangers' bullpen as this game progresses.
Is it a calculated risk or a desperate gamble?
Starting Jacob Latz on Sunday was a necessity for the Texas Rangers, but one that also highlights some strategic innovation. Injuries have battered their rotation, and the Rangers hardly have any other option but to rely on their bullpen depth. He continues to give the team hope based on recent performances, but a longer audition could test his stamina and resilience.
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All in all, this is one part calculated risk and one part reckless gamble. The Rangers may gain a significant victory if Latz can provide several solid innings. But if the Nationals can take advantage of Latz having little experience as a starter, that could backfire on the Rangers.
As the battle starts tonight, all eyes will be on the bullpen, Jacob Latz, and how the Rangers' game strategy plays out against the in-form Nationals.
