Texas Rangers Bullpen Candidates Emerge, McCutchen Impresses in Debut

Andrew McCutchen, Josh Sborz, and Peyton Gray stand out in Rangers' spring training action

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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In the Texas Rangers' 4-1 win over the San Diego Padres, several players vying for bullpen spots made strong impressions. Veteran Andrew McCutchen, signed just last week, had a productive debut with a double and hard-hit balls. Pitchers Peyton Gray, Josh Sborz, and Tyler Alexander also stood out with scoreless outings, boosting their chances of making the opening day roster.

Why it matters

The Rangers are looking to solidify their bullpen ahead of the upcoming season, and these performances from lesser-known players could earn them roster spots and important innings early on. McCutchen's strong debut also shows he may have something left in the tank to contribute as a veteran presence.

The details

In his spring training debut, newly signed veteran Andrew McCutchen had a double, two balls over 100 mph, and saw 16 pitches in three at-bats. Pitchers Peyton Gray, Josh Sborz, and Tyler Alexander also impressed, with Gray extending his scoreless streak to 7 2/3 innings, Sborz showing increased velocity after shoulder surgery, and Alexander making a nice defensive play. Meanwhile, Rangers starter Trey Supak struggled in his outing.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Texas Rangers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-1 in Cactus League play.

The players

Andrew McCutchen

A veteran DH/outfielder who signed with the Rangers last week and is auditioning for a roster spot.

Peyton Gray

A Rangers pitcher who extended his scoreless streak to 7 2/3 innings this spring.

Josh Sborz

A Rangers pitcher whose velocity has been trending back towards his normal range after shoulder surgery.

Tyler Alexander

A Rangers pitcher who has not allowed a run in four spring outings and made a nice defensive play.

Trey Supak

The Rangers' starting pitcher who struggled in his outing.

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What they’re saying

“It feels good to get back out there on the field and try to get the game speed of things going. I've trusted the work I've done this offseason and I'm trusting the process as best I can. I'm trying to not overdo it and stay within myself. So, it felt good to get the little jitters out of the way - and yes I still get jitters.”

— Andrew McCutchen (dallasnews.com)

What’s next

The Rangers will look to get Peyton Gray into games earlier over the next 10 days to get a better feel for his changeup against established big league hitters. The team will also continue to evaluate the bullpen candidates as they make their final roster decisions ahead of opening day.

The takeaway

The performances of lesser-known players like Peyton Gray, Josh Sborz, and Tyler Alexander have put them squarely in the mix for bullpen spots on the Rangers' opening day roster, providing depth and competition for the team. Meanwhile, veteran Andrew McCutchen's strong debut shows he may still have something to contribute as the Rangers look to solidify their roster.