As the Rangers head east, back to Arlington to prepare for two more practice games, both with Kansas City before Thursday’s opening day game in Philadelphia, they still don’t have their bullpen solved.

Cutting payroll meant they decided not to invest in the one area they have been lacking since Chris Young took over the reigns. A closer. In 2023 it was supposed to be Jose Leclerc. He failed. They turned it over to Will Smith, who navigated his away around constant traffic to pick up 22 saves by mid-July. Then his good luck turned, reality set in, and he lost the closer’s job. The Rangers traded for Aroldis Chapman. Every pitch he threw had the aim of a drunken blind man behind the wheel of a car. They went into the playoffs with only two reliable options: A wing and a prayer. Somehow, Leclerc emerged.

They gave the ball to Leclerc in 2024. He didn’t last long. Luckily for Texas, Kirby Yates took over and became the most dominating closer in baseball that year. But they let him walk.

So, they started 2025 without a closer. And pretty much endured the entire season without one. Robert Garcia, Shawn Armstrong, Chris Martin, Luke Jackson, Phil Maton. Their lack of a closer was a glaring weakness last season.

So, of course, they go into this season not addressing the issue.

It’s hard to get excited about the playoff chances of a team that refused to allow itself the best outcome for success.

Opening day is Thursday. We know Nathan Eovalid will be the starting pitcher. Their closer: Back to wing and a prayer.

*****

NO GAME TODAY.