The Rangers lack of a bullpen has already turned into a problem. Right now they don’t seem to have any high-leverage guys. Tyler Anderson has been reliable, having appeared in four of the Rangers first seven games, with two saves. But he cannot appear in every game. And, it seems, maybe his role hasn’t yet been defined.

One thing is sure. Chris Martin has not bought himself any managerial confidence. He’s appeared in four games now. After picking up the L in yesterday’s 5-3 loss to Cincinnati, Martin’s ERA is 13.50. 

In his first outing, he picked up a blown save and a win. That’s the cheapest W imaginable—you won only because you lost. He gave up two runs in the Rangers 8-5 win over Baltimore. And yesterday, he spoiled the Rangers home opener by giving up two ninth-inning runs after the Rangers had just tied it.

If this isn’t the end of the line for the 40-year-old Martin, it’s close. He had a brief, successful run as the Rangers closer last year, by default, but ended up spending a bulk of his time on the I.L. It was surprising that the Rangers re-signed him. But that’s what happens when the owner doesn’t commit to investing in the team. You get the bullpen you deserve.

The lack of a closer and bona fide seventh- and eighth-inning guys is starting to show. 

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