Texas Rangers Sam Dyson: Week 2 Waiver Wire Add

Texas Rangers closer Shawn Tolleson has struggled so far this season. If management wants to make a change, then Sam Dyson is the relief pitcher to own.

The Texas Rangers entered the 2016 season with a lot of depth in the bullpen. To add to their current group, the team traded for Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Tom Wilhelmsen. The Rangers started the season with Shawn Tolleson as their closer. After a poor second appearance, his leash might have gotten even shorter. If a change is made, Sam Dyson becomes the closer in Texas. 

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Tolleson finished last season with 35 saves, 2.99 ERA, 1.147 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 72.1 innings. He pitched well enough to begin this season as the Opening Day closer. In his second game, he allowed five runs on five hits. He did not record an out. In the following outing, he gave up one hit and no outs. He turned it around in his most recent appearance, allowing just one hit, but was able to record his second save of the season.

He currently sits with a 22.50 ERA and 3.50 WHIP. Obviously, those numbers will go down, but another outing like the one he had on Wednesday could end his time as the closer. If that’s the case, then go to the waiver wire and add Dyson.

Sam Dyson split the 2015 season with the Rangers and Miami Marlins. At the end of the season, he had a 2.63 ERA, 1.142 WHIP, 71 strikeouts and two saves in 75.1 innings. So far this season, he has two holds and a loss with a 2.45 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and two strikeouts. The loss came last Thursday when he allowed one run on three hits and a walk.

According to the ESPN Closer Chart, Sam Dyson is listed as a set-up man and not the “next man up.” That honor would go to Keone Kela. Kela pitched in 60.1 innings and posted a 2.39 ERA, 1.160 WHIP, 69 strikeouts and one save. This season, he has a 3.38 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and five strikeouts in 2.2 innings.

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I think Sam Dyson would get the first chance if and when Tolleson is removed from the closer role. If you are in a deeper league, Kela should be a speculative add. Dyson is owned in just 4.2 percent of ESPN while Kela is owned in 6.7 percent. Dyson will keep runners off base, but Kela is more of a strikeout pitcher. Regardless, if you own Tolleson, then you should add at least one of these pitchers as a handcuff.