ARLINGTON, Tex. (Oct 27) \u2014 The Texas Rangers<\/a>‘ bullpen has had its struggles in 2023. Rangers relievers ranked toward the bottom going into the playoffs. But they have been much improved thus far, for several reasons. One factor in their improvement has come from an injured veteran \u2014 Ian Kennedy<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Kennedy, who turns 39 on December 19, is one of the oldest players in the league, having debuted in 2007. He has pitched in 497 regular season games, 290 as a starter and 207 in relief. In 2023, he has pitched in relief for the Rangers, appearing in 16 games. He struggled, allowing runs in half of his appearances and putting up a 1.408 WHIP. The 13 earned runs in 16 1\/3 innings gave him a 7.16 ERA. Part of that was due to a rotator cuff injury that did not show up until September and sidelined him for the rest of the season.<\/p>\n Back in May, he told Sport Relay <\/em>how much he enjoyed playing in Texas. Shortly after giving that interview, the Rangers designated him for assignment. However, in further testament to how much he enjoys playing for the Rangers, he accepted the minor league assignment once he cleared waivers.<\/p>\n His time in Red Rock allowed him to connect with the younger up-and-coming Rangers relievers. One connection he made was with Cody Bradford<\/a><\/strong>. Bradford said Kennedy has helped him with confidence and sequencing pitches. He also helped Bradford with pitch location. Neither Bradford nor Kennedy pitches with a high velocity, so, according to Bradford, \u201cHe\u2019d have to run it inside to guys to buy more real estate on the outer half of the plate. I was in the same spot a couple of weeks ago.\u201d Bradford said he used his changeup too much and \u201cgot punished for it,\u201d so Kennedy reminded him to run the fastball inside more. He added that Kennedy has also helped him with slider grips and curveball grips.<\/p>\n For Kennedy, this is a natural part of a playing career. \u201cThe last four or five years, you\u2019re part player, part coach,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to pass on some of the information you\u2019ve learned. I\u2019m not pitching right now, (so the) value I bring (is) at least to help our guys on the field produce.\u201d Kennedy has seen a lot of success, both as a starter and reliever, but he has also had his share of struggles and obstacles. \u201cI\u2019ve been through it all,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve seen it all, up and down.\u201d<\/p>\n The wisdom he\u2019s gained from all his career experiences is what has made him so valuable to his teammates. Will Smith<\/a><\/strong> said, \u201cHe’s helped probably everybody in that bullpen. Not only is he a really good pitcher when he is healthy, but he’s probably an even better person off the field, just his mentality \u2014 been there, done that. He’s seen a lot in this game, and he’s awesome to have around. We’re really thankful he’s here.\u201d<\/p>\n Josh Sborz<\/a><\/strong> added that Kennedy\u2019s presence has been \u201ctremendous\u201d and having \u201cmore experience\u201d behind them has a \u201ccalming effect.\u201d Chris Stratton<\/a><\/strong> pointed out, \u201cAny time you have a guy that has that much experience\u2026. We’re asking him all the questions you can ask, asking him why you pitch this guy this certain way.\u201d Stratton also said that having Kennedy as, in a way, \u201canother coach to lean on\u201d has been \u201cawesome.\u201d<\/p>\n The manager and coaching staff have also liked having Kennedy sitting with the relievers. Manager Bruce Bochy<\/a><\/strong> said, \u201cAny time you have somebody with his experience out there talking to the guys, helping them \u2014 whether it’s with their pitching or on the mental side \u2014 that’s an asset. And that’s why we wanted him around with his experience, his pitching in games like this. He’s done a great job for us, and that’s why we kept him with us the whole way.\u201d<\/p>\n Bullpen coach Brett Hayes<\/a><\/strong> added, \u201cIan Kennedy has been around the game a long time. He\u2019s done pretty much everything. He\u2019s started, been very successful with that, he\u2019s pitched in the playoffs, he\u2019s closed. (Ian) has been a vital part of this group, not only in the inning\u2019s he\u2019s pitched but as veteran leadership. He\u2019s a big asset to have, and I love having him.\u201d<\/p>\n Kennedy\u2019s calming presence is something everyone interviewed has mentioned. Hayes went further in depth. \u201cHe has really good conversations with some of our young guys. (Ian) also keeps the energy loose and free.\u201d Stratton also likes how Kennedy keeps things loose. \u201cThis game is so hard,\u201d Stratton said, \u201cand I still have fun doing it. He\u2019s the epitome of that.\u201d<\/p>\n Andrew Heaney<\/a><\/strong> goes up to Kennedy once a game and says, \u201cSay something positive\u201d in what Heaney called \u201cstressful, tense moments.\u201d Kennedy \u201calways has something funny to say or has something positive or uplifting or just joking around.\u201d Heaney also said that Kennedy being injured has given him a \u201cbirds-eye view.\u201d Since Kennedy isn\u2019t focused on his own stretch routine, he can carefully observe what the others are doing and give them pointers.<\/p>\nDeveloping Relationships with the Young Players<\/h3>\n
The Wisdom of Ian Kennedy<\/h3>\n
Appreciated by Coaching Staff<\/h3>\n
The Calming Presence of Ian Kennedy<\/h3>\n
A Future Coach<\/h3>\n