Colby Lewis, former Texas Ranger. That’s sad to type, but it is apparently reality, as Colby has written a farewell message to Rangers fans, which you can read here. The reporters are saying Colby hasn’t formally retired, and is leaving the door open to pitch this season somewhere, but he’s only going to accept a major league deal, and at this point, there’s not a spot for him on the Rangers.
This is something I think we’ve seen coming for a while now — particularly since the Tyson Ross signing — and though it has appeared likely, it doesn’t make it any less sad that it is actually happening. Lewis was an incredible story for the Rangers, a former first round pick who flamed out due to injuries, went to Japan for a while, came back to pitch for the team where his career started, and spent seven years with the organization.
Lewis was a solid #2/#3 starter from 2010 until the flexor tendon injury de-railed him in the middle of the 2012 season (and I still think 2012 ends much differently if we have healthy Colby all year, but that’s another story). Colby battled back from that and hip surgery to be a nice innings-eater for the Rangers over the past three years, as well as one of the most respected voices in the clubhouse.
We will miss you, Colby.