Danny Coulombe Returns to Bolster Rangers’ Bullpen for Key Astros Showdown
The Texas Rangers find themselves in a critical juncture as they prepare for a pivotal game against the Houston Astros. In a move aimed at strengthening their bullpen, the Rangers activated left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe from the 15-day injured list, just in time for Tuesday’s matchup. This marks Coulombe’s return after a stint on the sidelines, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the Rangers’ playoff push.
A Strategic Reinforcement
Coulombe’s activation comes as the Rangers navigate a tight race in the American League West. Currently, they sit 3.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners and 3 games back of the Houston Astros, who hold the final wild card spot. With the stakes this high, the Rangers need every available arm in their bullpen, and Coulombe provides that extra layer of coverage. To accommodate his return, the team optioned right-hander Luis Curvelo to the minors.
On Monday, ahead of the series opener, manager Bruce Bochy acknowledged the challenges the bullpen faced, describing it as “a little thin.” The Rangers had hoped for a strong outing from starter Jack Leiter, who delivered by going 6.2 innings despite a shaky start. This allowed the Rangers to utilize only two relievers, Jacob Webb and Carl Edwards Jr., which was a welcome respite after an exhausting previous game that required six relievers against the Mets.
Coulombe’s Impact
Coulombe’s return is particularly timely given the current state of the bullpen. Right-hander Chris Martin is day-to-day after experiencing tingling in his right hand, leaving Texas with a need for fresh arms. At 35 years old, Coulombe brings experience and effectiveness, especially in lefty-on-lefty matchups, which will be essential as the Rangers face off against some formidable hitters in the Astros lineup.
Before his injury, Coulombe had been productive, completing a rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco. During this stint, he pitched two scoreless innings with two strikeouts, demonstrating that he is ready to contribute. The Rangers acquired him at the trade deadline for his impressive performance against both left- and right-handed batters, relying on his mix of off-speed pitches to keep hitters off balance.
Coulombe’s 2023 Performance
Coulombe’s overall numbers this season reflect his dual journey with both the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins. He boasts a 2.52 ERA over 51 appearances, with a record of 2-1 and two saves. However, his time with the Rangers has seen a spike in his ERA to 7.56 across 11 games, where he has struck out 10 batters and issued five walks in 8.1 innings. Opponents have hit .281 against him, a figure that raises concerns and may have been influenced by the shoulder fatigue that led to his time on the injured list.
With only 11 games left in the season, the Rangers hope Coulombe’s return signals a fresh start and that he can help solidify a bullpen that is crucial to their postseason aspirations. As the team gears up for an intense stretch run, every inning and every pitch counts, making Coulombe’s contribution all the more significant.
