ARLINGTON - The reality of Austin Bibens-Dirkx's situation hit home Tuesday.
The 32-year-old right-handed pitcher was told he would make his first start in the Majors Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays, and reporters asked if family would be able to fly in.
“If they can, then maybe,” Bibens-Dirkx said. “But they have jobs, and it’s the middle of the week, so it might be a little tough for them to get out on short notice.”
Bibens-Dirkx has followed the same work ethic as his family to get where he is. After 11-plus seasons in the minors, he was called up to do some bullpen work for the Rangers this season.