Texas Rangers relief pitcher Brandon Mann was optioned to Triple-A on Saturday. In order to make room for the arrival of Ariel Jurado, a relief pitcher was always likely to be moved. With Eddie Butler now in the bullpen as a long reliever, Mann has been deemed surplus to requirements. Mann has not had much success in this short stint with the Rangers, surrendering four earned runs in 1 1/3 innings and striking out just one hitter. It remains likely that Mann is the next pitcher in line to return to the majors if the Rangers need a left-handed pitcher out of the bullpen. However, even when in the majors he has next-to-no fantasy value and should not be owned in any league.
Texas Rangers relief pitcher Brandon Mann has been recalled to the major leagues from Triple-A on Tuesday. Mann has been solid at Triple-A this season, with a 2.54 ERA in 39 innings. In a very brief stint in the majors, Mann had a 1.50 ERA with one strikeout in six innings. Mann comes into the majors after the Rangers left-handed pitchers were rocked Monday, possibly to provide some short term cover. However, solid performances from Mann could see him remain in the Rangers bullpen long term, but it is unlikely he will have a role which allows him to return any fantasy value.
Texas Rangers reliever Brandon Mann was called up ahead of their tilt versus the Houston Astros. The 33-year-old made his first career appearance, completing an inspiring 16-year journey to the bigs that saw him pitch in the Japanese League and even independent leagues. In a twist that belongs in a Disney movie, Mann pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up just a single hit and walking none against the defending World Series champs. Mann doesn't have great strikeout stuff, but he can do something few Texas relievers can -- locate his pitches. It's highly unlikely that Mann will become fantasy relevant, but it's a fabulous story that deserves recognition.
