Faulkner could be part of Rangers’ bullpen by August

Since moving to the bullpen a little over two weeks ago, Double A Frisco’s Andrew Faulkner has allowed just one earned run on two hits in six innings.

The left-hander, who was drafted in the 14th round in 2011, could be an option for the Rangers’ bullpen if they stay in contention and need help from the left side.

“I’ve done it before,” said Faulkner, who was used 19 times out of the bullpen in 2012 at Low A Hickory.

The past 2 1/2 seasons were split between Hickory, Myrtle Beach and Frisco. However, Faulkner was used primarily as a starter. That includes 15 starts this season for Frisco before moving to the bullpen July 10.

He’s allowed one run (a solo homer), struck out five and walk three in five appearances. He earned his first save of the season with a perfect ninth on Thursday against Corpus Christi. He threw 11 pitches and forced two flyouts and a pop-out. It’s the second save of his career.

“It probably fits what I have right now a little bit better,” Faulkner said of his low- to mid-90 mph fastball and slider. “It limits my innings, too, so it’s pretty nice right now.”

He’s throwing a little bit harder with less workload, which he said has helped give his slider more bite. Knowing he’s likely to see hitters only once a game has freed him up a bit.

“So I can just let it breathe. I have a specific game plan for each guy who comes up to the plate,” he said.

“I just kind of go out there and do my job every day,” he said. “Hopefully, it leads to a promotion, but that’s stuff I can’t worry about. I just have to keep going.”

Eickhoff struggling

Triple A Round Rock right-hander Jerad Eickhoff has struggled in his past two starts, including Friday night against Oklahoma City.

He’s allowed eight earned runs on 15 hits in his past two starts (a combined 10 innings). He’s striking out a lot of hitters (including nine in 4 2/3 innings Friday), but also walked five in his past 10 innings.

Rookie ball by Storm

Right-hander Storm Rynard allowed one hit and no walks in five innings for the Rangers’ Arizona Rookie league team Friday night.

The 19-year-old struck out three. He was drafted in the 34th round in 2014.

Williams’ world

Frisco center fielder Nick Williams continues to swing a sizzling bat.

He has nine hits in his past five games to raise his batting average to .302. In the stretch, he has two homers, three doubles, four RBIs, six runs and 18 total bases.

This story was originally published July 25, 2015 at 4:32 PM with the headline "Faulkner could be part of Rangers’ bullpen by August."