Ragans Makes First Start of Season at Triple-A

Texas Rangers reliever Cole Ragans is getting work with the Round Rock Express to be stretched out as a potential starter.

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Cole Ragans made his first start at Triple-A Round Rock since he was optioned by the Texas Rangers earlier this week.

Ragans, who started the season in the Rangers bullpen, was sent down Tuesday in an effort to stretch him out to be a potential starter later this season.

He threw just 1 2/3 innings against El Paso, but threw 44 pitches, 27 of which were strikes. He gave up just one hit and didn’t allow a run. He also walked two hitters and struck out three.

He’s thrown more than 40 pitches in just two appearances this season, including a 65-pitch game against the Atlanta Braves on May 15.

Ragans made his last appearance with the Rangers on Monday, one of five relievers Texas used in a 12-inning 9-6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels. He worked 1 2/3 innings, giving up two hits, four runs (three earned) and two home runs. He struck out one and walked one.

Ragans is 2-3 with a 5.92 ERA in 17 appearances this season.

The former first-round pick made his MLB debut last season as a starting pitcher, spending the final two months of 2022 in the rotation.

Ragans went 0-3 with a 4.95 ERA in nine starts. He pitched 40 innings, gave up 43 hits and 24 runs (22 earned), six home runs and 16 walks. He struck out 27. Opponents hit .272 and he had a 1.48 WHIP.

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