Bruce Bochy Considers Elevating Jacob Latz to Full-Time Starter After Near No-Hitter — Signals Major Midseason Shift for Rangers

In a season where consistency has eluded the Texas Rangers’ pitching staff, one unexpected performance may be about to trigger a major midyear transformation. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy is reportedly weighing a significant rotation move — the promotion of left-hander Jacob Latz to a full-time starter role — after the 28-year-old came within mere outs of tossing a no-hitter in a recent electrifying outing.

Latz, who has primarily operated out of the bullpen since his debut with the Rangers in 2021, took the mound in an emergency start this week and delivered a dazzling, nearly flawless performance that stunned both fans and opponents. Over seven and two-thirds innings, the southpaw dominated, allowing no hits and striking out eight batters before Bochy pulled him after reaching his pitch limit. Although the no-hitter slipped away after he exited the game, the message was clear: Jacob Latz just made a statement.

Before this stunning start, Jacob Latz had quietly been building momentum in a long-relief role, demonstrating improved command and poise on the mound. His ERA hovered in the low 2.00s, and he showcased the ability to stretch multiple innings while holding down tough lineups.

What has set Latz apart recently is his refined pitch sequencing and increased confidence in his slider-changeup combination, which baffled hitters during his near no-hit performance. He worked both sides of the plate with surgical precision and seemed unfazed even as the innings piled up — a rare calmness Bochy later praised.

While Bochy stopped short of naming Latz a permanent starter, his comments suggest the Rangers may be moving in that direction. With the team still searching for rotation stability after injuries and underperformance from veteran arms, Latz’s emergence could be a much-needed turning point.

The Rangers, hovering around the .500 mark and fighting to stay in the playoff picture, have struggled to find dependable starters behind ace Nathan Eovaldi. The recent struggles of Jon Gray and Andrew Heaney have only amplified the need for a reliable third or fourth option.

By promoting Latz, Texas would not only address a performance gap but also inject a sense of urgency and hunger into the rotation. It would mark a rare midseason pivot — a bold signal that Bochy and the front office are willing to make aggressive changes in pursuit of postseason relevance.

The clubhouse is reportedly abuzz with optimism over Latz’s potential promotion. Several teammates were seen congratulating the lefty after his start, and veteran catcher Jonah Heim offered glowing praise.

If Latz is indeed promoted, the Rangers will have decisions to make regarding bullpen depth and roster alignment. Moving Latz to the rotation would likely necessitate calling up a reliever from Triple-A Round Rock or reshuffling the existing bullpen hierarchy.

Moreover, it could pressure other starters to elevate their performance. A sudden shake-up midyear — especially one involving a player originally viewed as a fringe piece — sends a message that no one’s spot is safe if they’re not producing.

Bochy, known for his veteran savvy and no-nonsense approach, may be leveraging this moment to reignite internal competition. “Sometimes it takes a spark,” he said. “You want guys to compete, to push each other. Jacob just lit a fire.

The Rangers have not yet confirmed when Latz’s next outing will be, but all signs point to him receiving another start soon — and possibly solidifying his place in the rotation if he delivers again.

For a club still chasing October baseball and trying to recapture the magic of last year’s playoff run, bold choices are a necessity. Jacob Latz’s breakout couldn’t have come at a better time, and Bochy seems more than ready to roll the dice.