Rangers won't renew Rangel's contract

October 7th, 2020

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have informed pitching coach Julio Rangel that his contract will not be renewed for the 2021 season.

The Rangers have also informed catching coach Hector Ortiz that he will not be on the Major League staff for next season. He has been offered a position in the Minor League system.

Rangel was the Rangers' pitching coach for the past two years. In 2020, Texas' 5.02 ERA was the fourth highest in the American League and the staff was hit hard by injuries. Corey Kluber, the Rangers' biggest offseason acquisition, went down after just one start with a torn muscle in the back of his right shoulder.

Closer José Leclerc also went down with a torn muscle in the back of his right shoulder, while relievers Rafael Montero, Joely Rodríguez, Nick Goody, Brett Martin and Jesse Chavez missed time because of injuries.

The staff was also brought down by disappointing seasons by starters Kyle Gibson (2-6, 5.35 ERA), Kolby Allard (0-6, 7.75 ERA), Mike Minor (0-5, 5.60 ERA) and Jordan Lyles (1-6, 7.02). The Rangers did get encouraging performances from young starters Kyle Cody (2-1, 1.59 ERA) and Wes Benjamin (1-1. 4.84 ERA), and Jonathan Hernandez (5-1, 2.90 ERA) emerged as a force out of the bullpen.

The Rangers' 5.06 ERA in 2019 was also the fifth highest in the AL despite outstanding seasons from Minor and Lance Lynn. But the Rangers' gamble of relying on Edinson Vólquez, Shelby Miller and Drew Smyly coming back from significant injuries backfired.

Prior to coming to Texas, Rangel spent the 2018 season as the Giants pitching coordinator. From '07-17, he worked in the farm system for the Indians, an organization that is among the best in the Majors in developing young pitching.