Who would have guessed at the beginning of the season that the Rangers’ two most dominant starting pitchers would be CJ Wilson and Colby Lewis?

That is exactly the situation Texas has on their hands right now, and that is a good and surprising situation indeed. 

CJ’s line reads: 4 Games, 2-1, 25.2 IP, 21K, 10BB, 1.75 ERA

And, Colby Lewis: 5 Games, 3-0, 32.2 IP, 38K, 13BB, 2.76 ERA

When the Rangers acquired Colby as a free agent coming back from the NPB in Japan, they were hoping his time in Japan would translate back to the Majors, which, if any indication were to infer, has been pretty much status quo. With last year’s workhorse Kevin Millwood (and his expensive contract) shipped off to Baltimre, the Rangers knew they needed an innings-eater. Friday night, Lewis matched the renowned Cliff Lee pitch-for-pitch, putting up six strikouts and no earned runs over the course of 9 innings. With no run support, however, he received a no-decision – a shame for such a powerful performance. One thing I noticed was how calm and serene Lewis looks on the mound, especially in his game against the Mariners Friday night. Whatever Japan did to Colby Lewis, I hope he keeps it with him.

CJ, however, has been more than simply a pleasant surprise. His LOB% is close to 80 right now, which is about 10% higher than league average, so that may be headed for a regression. So far, however, Wilson has been lights-out in the Rangers’ starting rotation, getting out of jams (some self-inflicted), and he has yet to “freak out.” The front office brass told him that if he were one of the top 2 pitchers in Spring Training, they would let him start. Wilson took that sentiment to heart and doesn’t seem to be looking back.

In the wings is Derek Holland, one of the Rangers top 2 pitching prospects from last year. Holland, a left-handed power pitcher, made his major league debut last April, and remained in the starting rotation for the rest of the year. Due to a log-jam on the mound, Holland was optioned to AAA Oklahoma City to begin this season, and has been absolutely on-fire. 

Derek Holland (AAA): 5 Games, 3-1, 33.2 IP, 29K, 6BB, .53 ERA

Yeah, you read that right. In over 33 innings and 5 starts, Holland has only given up 2 earned runs. Two. Dos. So, expect him back up with the Rangers in the very near future. 

For the record, the Rangers are undefeated since Ron Washington’s ejection Friday night.