Marc

Church

This one doesn’t count as an official AFL outing, but if it did, Church would have finished up with a 3.11 ERA and a 13/1 K/BB ratio over 8 2/3 innings. He has a chance of emerging as a setup man or perhaps even a closing candidate for the Rangers next year.

Church will be an option for the Rangers’ bullpen for the final three games of the season, and make his MLB debut if/when he gets into a game versus the Angels over the weekend. A good showing will help at least a little in his chance to make the Texas roster in 2025.

Church was optioned to the minors earlier this week and will open the season back at Triple-A Round Rock. The 22-year-old righty was added to the defending World Series champions roster last November.

Church was originally an 18th round selection from the 2019 MLB Draft. The 22-year-old right-hander posted a 3.63 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and a 79/38 K/BB ratio over 62 innings in 43 appearances between Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock in 2023. He should open the season back at Triple-A Round Rock where he’ll continue to function as extra bullpen depth for the Rangers.