Eric Gagne was a little surprised with how good he felt after pitching two straight days in AA-Frisco - his first back-to-back appearance in almost two seasons.
After being limited to 15.1 innings over the past two years due to operations on his elbow and back, the former NL Cy Young winner began the season on the disabled list to give him some more time to get ready to become the Texas Rangers' closer.
Gagne is eligible to come off the DL on Friday and the club hopes to have him traveling with the team Thursday to be activated before the start of their weekend series against the Mariners in Seattle.
Proving he could pitch consecutive days was the main hoop the righty had to jump through. He threw 15 pitches to three Arkansas batters on Friday, then 17 pitches against five hitters Saturday, when he gave up a solo shot, taking the 1-0 loss.
Manager Ron Washington says he isn't sure if Gagne will be used in the closer role right away, or if he will make a couple of appearances in non-save situations when he returns. Gagne believes he is ready to close, asap.
Gagne had 152 saves from 2002-04 for the Los Angeles Dodgers, converting a record 84 straight save chances, including all 55 he was presented in 2003 when he had a 1.20 ERA and won his Cy Young.
[ESPN]
2 comments:
I still say Gagne is going to do well with the Rangers...
He has to learn to PITCH not throw...
Where are his awesome safety glasses? Safety first, Eric!
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