Rangers rumors: interested in Porcello?

The Rangers inquired on Detroit starting pitcher Rick Porcello, reports Adam Rubin of ESPN.

The Rangers had intended to give the job to left-handed prospect Martin Perez, but he sustained a forearm fracture and will miss significant time. The Rangers' other young option, Justin Grimm, has not been inspiring this spring.

While there has been some buzz around the Rangers involving Kyle Lohse, it appears as though the team will not sign the right-hander. They will certainly need to add a starting pitcher of some sort before the season starts, as they are rather thin at the position.

Porcello, 24, was once considered a top pitching prospect when drafted out of high school. The Tigers rushed him to the Majors however, and he never developed into the front-line pitcher many thought he would be. He is still a perfectly serviceable pitcher, who can log innings and pitch from the five-spot.

He threw 176.1 innings last year, and posted an ERA of 4.59. He could be a valuable asset for the Rangers, who need some innings while they wait for guys like Martin Perez, Neftali Feliz, and Colby Lewis to return from injuries.

It is yet to be seen what the Tigers would want in return for the right-hander.