Rangers Weigh Final Roster Spots as Competitive Camp Ends

Difficult decisions await first-year manager Skip Schumaker as Texas faces tough choices on fifth starter, final bench spot, and bullpen.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:07pm

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The Texas Rangers have not yet made final decisions on what will likely amount to four available roster spots with two exhibitions left to play. Manager Skip Schumaker said the relatively strong performance of each possible option has forced 'really hard decisions' as the team looks to finalize its Opening Day roster.

Why it matters

The Rangers' roster decisions will have a significant impact on the team's pitching staff, bench depth, and bullpen composition as they aim to build on last season's performance and compete in the AL West. The choices made will shape the team's identity and approach heading into the new season.

The details

The competition for the fifth starter role between left-hander Jacob Latz and right-hander Kumar Rocker produced no decisive winner in camp, with the impact of each player's individual role on the rest of the staff potentially carrying as much weight as their respective abilities. The final bench spot is also up for grabs, with five players vying for one roster spot. In the bullpen, the Rangers need an optionable reliever, with right-hander Luis Curvelo fitting that description, while the last spot could go to either right-hander Carter Baumler or right-hander Josh Sborz.

  • The Rangers have two exhibitions left to play vs. the Kansas City Royals on Monday and Tuesday at Globe Life Field.
  • The Rangers have not yet made final decisions on the roster spots, but Schumaker believes the team has gathered enough data over the course of the spring.

The players

Skip Schumaker

First-year Texas Rangers manager.

Jacob Latz

Left-handed pitcher competing for the fifth starter role.

Kumar Rocker

Right-handed pitcher competing for the fifth starter role.

Cal Quantrill

Right-handed pitcher signed to a minor league deal, being considered for a bullpen role.

Austin Gomber

Right-handed pitcher signed to a minor league deal, being considered for a bullpen role.

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What they’re saying

“It's whatever position I can be in to help the team. I think they're going to find the best position for that. I'm excited for whatever.”

— Kumar Rocker

“The fact that he hasn't given up a run but also worked on fastball at the top, fastball at the bottom [is encouraging]. We knew he had a really good curveball. Could he strike it early? Could he strike the ball late like we talked about for six weeks? The answer to all of it is 'yes.' He's controlled the running game, he's gone multiple innings, he's gone back to back. He's done an excellent job, and it's a very interesting potential piece in the bullpen. I don't know what role, potentially, it's going to be, but it's a pretty interesting piece for sure.”

— Skip Schumaker, Manager

What’s next

The Rangers will make their final roster decisions before Opening Day, with the judge in the case set to decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Rangers' competitive spring training has led to some difficult roster decisions for Schumaker and the front office, as they weigh factors like pitching depth, bench versatility, and bullpen flexibility to build the best possible team for the upcoming season.