Tue Jan 25 2011 | 13:08 | Kirkman competing for rotation spot in spring |
Michael Kirkman spent the offseason refining his curveball. |
"I know I'm going to need that pitch to start," Kirkman said. "I have to be able to get guys out on both sides of the plate and be able to change things up, and the curve can help me do that." The 24-year-old southpaw relied mostly on his fastball, slider and changeup last season. But he will be competing for one of the final spots in the Rangers' rotation this spring and needs to build an arsenal. If he doesn't land the gig, he could asked to pitch in relief. |
Source: ESPN Dallas | |
Fri Oct 15 2010 | 11:10 | Rangers add Kirkman to ALCS roster |
The Rangers have added Michael Kirkman to their ALCS roster. |
An extra lefty, Kirkman posted a 1.65 ERA and 1.16 WHIP over 16-plus innings of relief this year for the Rangers, holding left-handed hitters to a 563 OPS. The 24-year-old has never pitched in a postseason game. |
Source: Ed Price on Twitter | |
Fri Aug 20 2010 | 15:44 | Rangers call up LHP Kirkman |
Rangers recalled LHP Michael Kirkman from Triple-A Oklahoma City. |
It sounds as though Kirkman is up to pitch in relief, and he might just stick around for the weekend, as the Rangers will need to clear room for Rich Harden on Monday. Kirkman has a chance to make it as a third or fourth starter, but it's not his time yet. |
Fri Aug 20 2010 | 12:14 | Rangers calling up Michael Kirkman |
According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the Rangers will call up left-hander Michael Kirkman for Friday's game. |
Derek Holland is expected to be sent to the minors in a corresponding roster move. This will be Kirkman's first call-up to the big leagues, but it may be a brief one, since the Rangers will likely activate Rich Harden from the disabled list Monday. Kirkman, 23, has a 3.09 ERA and 1.40 WHIP over 24 games (22 starts) with Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, averaging 8.9 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9. |
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram | |
Mon Apr 26 2010 | 14:11 | Rangers prospect Kirkman pitches one-hit ball |
Michael Kirkman allowed one hit over eight scoreless innings Sunday for Triple-A Oklahoma City. |
Kirkman, a 23-year-old southpaw, is 2-0 with a 2.74 ERA and a 16/11 K/BB ratio in 23 innings. He lacks the upside of some of the Rangers' other young arms, but he's a legitimate prospect, one who could fit in at the back of the rotation or in the pen. The Rangers might want to try him as a reliever later this season, since they have no shortage of rotation fallbacks in Tommy Hunter, Brandon McCarthy and Derek Holland. |