Kyle Funkhauser, who showed good form in the 2021 season, but failed to pitch in a game last year due to a shoulder injury, is heading to the Texas Rangers.
Reporter Robert Murray of ‘Fansied’ said on the 6th (Korean time), “According to sources, right-handed pitcher Punkhauser has agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. He was once the heart of Detroit’s bullpen, but was sidelined by injuries.”
Funkhauser was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 35th overall pick in the 1st round of the 2015 draft. However, negotiations broke down and he went back to college. He was drafted again in 2016, but went 115 overall in the 4th round and wore the Detroit uniform. 메이저놀이터
He first appeared in the big leagues in the 2020 season and fell short of expectations with a 1-1 record, 7.27 ERA and 12 strikeouts. But he had a different 2021 season. He pitched 57 games and 68.1 innings, recording 7 wins, 4 losses, 3.42 ERA, 9 holds, 1 save, and 63 strikeouts, emerging as an axis of Detroit’s bullpen.
But once again the ordeal came. He felt pain in his right shoulder since April of last year, and was placed on the 60-day disabled list following the 10-day disabled list, and was eventually out for the season. Eventually, Detroit sent him as a free agent in November of last year.
Texas had their eye on him and managed to sign him. Punkhauser, who once threw a fast ball averaging 96 mph, is hoping to perform the same in 2021.
‘MLB Trade Rumors’ said, “Punkhauser will compete for a spot in the opener bullpen with Josh Svoz, Taylor Hearn, John King and Dane Dunning. He will strengthen the depth of the bullpen.”