Marc

Church

Some were hoping the Rangers might make Teodo their closer, but while that could be the long-term plan, it’s obviously not happening on Opening Day. Fellow rookie Marc Church is still around and could be part of the late-game mix with Chris Martin. It hasn’t yet been said whether Teodo will remain a starter in the minors for now.

Church isn’t necessarily expected to make the Rangers out of spring training, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up as one of the team’s best relievers. The 23-year-old topped out at 98.7 mph today, and the seven sliders he threw produced three whiffs and two foul balls.

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.