Rangers' Detwiler will be given chance to crack rotation

The Texas Rangers will give Ross Detwiler the opportunity he's been hoping for. 

Forced into a reliever's role for the entire 2014 season with the Washington Nationals due to an abundance of depth in the rotation, Thursday's trade to the Texas Rangers brings about a new opportunity for the left-hander. 

"From what I was told, I'll get a chance to be a starter again," Detwiler told James Wagner of the Washington Post. "I always pictured myself that way. I didn’t really know exactly what my role was last year. Sometimes that's what you need. I'm excited about my new opportunity. … A fresh start and a fresh set of eyes on me and maybe that will help me get back on track."

Detwiler spent the majority of his first five seasons with the Nationals as a starter, going 17-29 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.39 WHIP, but missed time in 2013 due to an oblique injury and a pinched nerve in his back. Upon his return, a plethora of options for the rotation – Doug Fister, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann, Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark – forced manager Matt Williams to convert Detwiler into a reliever.  

"I was just kinda became a product of a tough situation where there was a ton of really talented pitchers and there are only five spots available," Detwiler said. "And they thought, definitely with the back injury, they were better off suited going with Tanner (Roark), and he had a great year. 

"He's gonna be good for years to come, too. I think what happened with that –I'm not bitter about it. It just had to happen. There are so many pitchers stockpiled in one spot."

The Rangers have no shortage of openings in the rotation after using 15 different starters last season. With Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and likely Colby Lewis being locks, Detwiler will have an opportunity to grab one of the final two spots at the back of the rotation.