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The Texas Rangers will hit the free agent market in search of bullpen help after deciding to move right-handed pitcher Alexi Ogando back into the starting rotation following a year of work in relief, according to reports.
After finishing 13-8 in 29 starts for the Rangers in 2011, Ogando started just one game in 2012 while making 57 appearances out of the bullpen. He finished the season with a 3.27 ERA while striking out 66 batters and walking just 17.
Texas general manager Jon Daniels notified Ogando that he will be starting next season so he can adjust his offseason workouts to fill that role.
Ogando's departure from the bullpen creates a need for relief help, which the Rangers will likely pursue on the free agent market. A likely target will reportedly be right-hander Jonathan Broxton, who finished the 2012 season with the Cincinnati Reds.
Broxton had 23 saves with the Kansas City Royals last season before being traded to the Reds. With Cincinnati, Broxton was 3-3 with ten saves and a 2.82 ERA in 25 relief appearances.