Latz to AAA, Kent to AA, White to DEWDs

The Texas Rangers made some moves involving minor league pitchers today. Jake Latz has been promoted from AA Frisco to AAA Round Rock, Zak Kent has been promoted from high-A Hickory to AA Frisco, and Owen White has been activated from the injured list and is back on the active roster for Down East. In addition, Jesus Linarez and Spencer Mraz have been promoted from low-A Down East to high-A Hickory.

Latz, 25, is a lefthanded pitcher who the Rangers selected in the 5th round of the 2017 draft out of Kent State. Latz put up a 1.62 ERA between low-A and high-A in 61 innings in 2019, then spent the 2020 season at the Alternate Training Site, while also making six appearances in the Constellation Energy League. Latz was dominant to start the season for Frisco before having a bad June. He has a 4.69 ERA in 63.1 IP, with 84 Ks against 28 walks. He’d been said to be heading to AAA for several days now, but it is now official.

Kent, 23, is a righthanded pitcher selected in the 9th round out of VMI in 2019. After a nondescript 2019 and the COVID 2020 season, he wasn’t on most folks radars heading into 2021, but he has been terrific for Hickory this year. In 60.1 IP he has a 2.83 ERA, with 78 Ks and 15 walks. He will, I suspect, tandem start with another pitcher for Frisco.

White, who turned 22 yesterday, was the Rangers second round pick in 2018. He has pitched just 4.2 innings this year due to a broken hand. He is starting for the Wood Ducks tonight.