The Texas Rangers agreed with free-agent right-hander Kyle Funkhouser (shoulder) on a minor-league deal on Thursday, according to a source. Funkhouser was a key part of the bullpen for the Detroit Tigers in 2021 but missed all of last season with a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old had a 3.42 ERA (4.27 FIP), 1.40 WHIP, one save, 63 strikeouts and 38 walks in 68 1/3 innings over 57 appearances (two starts) in his second major-league season with Detroit in 2021. Funkhouser underwent surgery on his shoulder injury last July, so he's unlikely to be available for the Rangers until the second half of 2023. In 85 2/3 big-league innings, Funkhouser has a 4.20 ERA (4.61 FIP), 1.51 WHIP and 19.8 percent strikeout rate.
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher Kyle Funkhouser closed out the team's 2-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday to earn his first save of the year. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one hit and no walks without striking anyone out. Gregory Soto (finger), the team's primary closer, was placed on the injured list on Sunday and he is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Michael Fulmer is most likely going to be the team's top option for saves rest of the way unless he falters. Fulmer earned his 10th save of the year on Saturday, but he also has four blown saves on the season. Funkhouser, who has a 3.25 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP over 52 appearances this year, looks to be next in line for saves behind Fulmer at this point.
Detroit Tigers starting pitching prospect Kyle Funkhouser was activated off the injured list and made a rehab start for High-A Lakeland on Tuesday night. He allowed just two hits while walking one and fanning four in five shutout innings in his return. That's after the 25-year-old went 0-3 with a 7.64 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, 18 walks and 25 strikeouts in six starts with Triple-A Toledo to begin the year. Funkhouser has dealt with injuries the last two seasons and will need to pitch much better at Toledo in order to be considered for a call-up to Detroit later this season.
Kyle Funkhouser
• SP
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Rangers
