By Jonathan Lee
July 24, 2012

Colby Lewis is the latest pitcher to require Tommy John surgery.  The right-hander isn’t flashy, but he’s been consistent since returning to the Majors from Japan.  He had posted a 3.43 ERA and 1.08 WHIP at the time of his injury, and his loss will leave a giant hole in the Texas rotation.

Lewis’ next start will be taken by Martin Perez.  Neftali Perez is expected back soon from his own injury so in the long run Lewis will probably be replaced by Roy Oswalt.  That would be fine is this were 2008 or even 2010.  It’s 2012 however, and Oswalt has been miserable with a 5.22 ERA and 1.67 WHIP in 5 starts.  He is also dealing with some injury issues of his own, as he is sitting out his next start with a bad back.  Lewis to Oswalt is a clear downgrade.  As a result this injury makes the Rangers nearly nine percent less likely to win the AL West.