ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are not developing a young starting pitcher at the major league level this season, a black mark on the rebuilding process.
They are doing something almost as difficult: nurturing two linchpin relievers in their mid-20s. Bullpens are volatile from season to season, but right-handers Keone Kela and Jose Leclerc have shown they can be foundation pieces for the future.
Kela, 25, has converted all 20 save chances with the Rangers, a praiseworthy feat.
Jose Leclerc, 24, has cleared the path for Kela, handling more hazardous relief situations according to one bullpen metric.