Wes Benjamin to start for Texas on Friday

The Texas Rangers have listed Wes Benjamin as their probable starting pitcher for Friday, September 18, against the Los Angeles Angels. Benjamin is replacing Kolby Allard in the rotation.

The 27 year old Benjamin has generally been solid, if not spectacular, since making his full season debut with Hickory in 2016. Benjamin had a rocky 2019, putting up a 5.52 ERA in 135.1 IP over 27 appearances, but numbers were up all over the PCL in 2019 due to the new ball being used.

Benjamin was added to the 40 man and active roster in mid-August, and has allowed 6 runs in 12.1 IP over 5 relief appearances, with 13 Ks against 4 walks. He has used a four pitch mix during his limited time in the majors, averaging 91 mph with his fastball and also using a slider, curveball and change up. He seems to profile as a swingman type, someone who provides depth in AAA and, with three options remaining, has the ability to be moved up-and-down as needed, though there’s always the chance he does more than that.

As for Allard, he is apparently moving to the bullpen for the final week and a half of the season. Allard had a nice run with the Rangers in 2019 after coming over in the Chris Martin trade, putting up a 4.96 ERA and a 4.01 FIP in 9 starts, and was viewed as the most polished and major league ready young option for the rotation heading into 2020. Allard has seen his walk and home run rate go up dramatically, though, and has managed to log just 29.2 IP in 8 starts, putting up an 8.80 ERA (though with a 4.92 FIP and 6.05 xFIP).