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Bartolo Colon is reportedly starting for the Rangers on April 2, so get excited

SURPRISE, AZ - FEBRUARY 21: Bartolo Colon #40 of the Texas Rangers poses during Texas Rangers Photo Day at the Surprise Stadium training facility on February 21, 2018 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Bartolo Colon worked hard this offseason, putting in time pumping strikes in hopes of linking up with a team for the 2018 season -- and in early February, the Rangers signed the 44-year-old part-time pigeon charmer to a Minor League deal. 
Texas released Colon over the weekend as the team trimmed its roster ahead of Opening Day. The thought of Bartolo pitching in a game this season (which will be his 21st) seemed but a wish.
And then, on Monday, MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reported that the Rangers re-signed Colon to a new Minor League deal. They're expected to slot Colon in the rotation to start the season, which would have him in line for a start on April 2 in Oakland. 

Yes, against the A's, with whom Colon threw 38 consecutive strikes in a game against Anaheim in 2012: 

Should Colon take the hill at the Coliseum on April 2, it'll mean we could be treated to more Bartolo applause (for Bartolo):

More dazzling defense:

and, hopefully, more of this:

Colon made several starts as a 44-year-old in 2017, though he still has a few more years to go if he wants to catch Jamie Moyer, who was 49 for some of his starts in his final season in 2012.  
There's no telling what the future might bring. For all intents and purposes, this outing on April 2 could be Colon's only start of the season.
Don't miss it.

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