The latest left-hander to audition for the Texas Rangers’ bullpen on Opening Day was Kyle Byrd, who on Tuesday threw two perfect innings against the Seattle Mariners.
Another, Brett Martin, was scheduled to pitch Wednesday.
Bird did what he needs to do to prove he belongs at Globe Life Park on March 28 against the Chicago Cubs by mowing through each lefty hitter he faced. He also competed and pitched with conviction.
Those are things that will be used to judge the lefties competing for potentially two bullpen spots. The group includes seven pitchers, most of whom either no big-league experience or very little.