September has arrived, which means postseason baseball is right around the corner. The Texas Rangers are in a tight race for the American League West , trailing the Houston Astros by two games.
They picked up an 8-1 win over the Athletics behind a dominant outing from Jacob deGrom . He faced the minimum through seven innings and struck out eight. It was a great way to end August.
Beginning on September 1, MLB active rosters expand to 28 players through the end of the regular season, meaning the Rangers could add two players.
Washington Nationals pitcher Trevor Williams delivers a pitch. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With one of those moves, Texas agreed to a major league contract with veteran reliever Trevor Williams. The 34-year-old was last on the Washington Nationals in late August.
Williams hasn't been used much this season, but he's been effective. The righty has a 2.65 ERA with 22 strikeouts and 6 walks over eight outings. One of his most recent relief appearances was against the Rangers on August 18. Williams pitched 3.1 scoreless innings with five punchouts.
Texas desperately needs bullpen help after Peyton Gray and Cole Winn were placed on the 15-day injured list. Skip Schumaker swapped in Ben Peoples and Robby Ahlstrom , but it's clear the Rangers are looking for bullpen help , and Williams should provide it.
Williams has been a starter for most of his career. He's started 178 games, which means he could give the Rangers multiple innings out of the bullpen. The Rangers need guys to eat up innings during this final stretch.
In addition to the Williams signing, Texas called up infielder Cam Cauley from Triple-A Round Rock.
Texas Rangers second baseman Cam Cauley (27) throws to first for the out. Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This will be Cauley's second stint in the big leagues this season. He's played in 28 games this season and is slashing .207/.281/.345 with 12 hits and five walks. The 23-year-old was mainly used as a defensive substitute or in pinch-hit opportunities.
Cauley will look to make an impact his second time around, but he's buried behind several other middle infielders. Cody Freeman , Corey Seager , and Justin Foscue have all stepped up lately, so Cauley may have fewer opportunities.
These additions may not change the trajectory of Texas' season, but they'll provide depth. These final 24 games are going to be a grind, and Skip Schumaker will need all hands on deck if the Rangers are going to return to the postseason for the first time since 2023.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/rangers/onsi as Rangers Sign Veteran Reliever to Bolster Pitching Staff .
