Justin

Thompson

Thompson hasn’t pitched in the majors since August 1999 due to numerous shoulder problems.

Thompson, who last pitched in the majors in 1999, is still trying to come back from shoulder problems. It finally looked like he made some real progress in the second half of last season, posting a 1.24 ERA in 23 relief appearances for Single-A Spokane. Thompson figures to remain a reliever in 2004. He’ll probably start the season in Double- or Triple-A.

A good story, but that’s mostly what it is. Thompson made his last appearance in the majors six years ago yesterday. Returning from four shoulder surgeries, the 32-year-old left-hander had a 4.22 ERA in 42 innings for Oklahoma. It’d be great to see him have some success as a middle reliever, but that’s the best that can be hoped for.

He gave up two hits, including a two-run homer to Jhonny Peralta. We’re rooting for Thompson, but the Rangers probably aren’t helping themselves by using a roster spot on him.

A very promising career ruined by shoulder troubles. Thompson, an All-Star for Detroit in 1997, had been out of the majors since 1999 before pitching 1 2/3 innings for the Rangers last season. He was 2-3 with a 6.11 ERA for Nashville.

Thompson hadn’t won a game since pitching in a rehab start on April 20, 2000. There’s almost no chance that he’ll return to the majors this year. Before he can even think about that, he needs to prove he can stay healthy for a month or two.

Thompson, in Rangers camp on a minor league contract, claims to be ready to compete for a job. It would be great to see him pull off a successful comeback, but right now, he has to be considered a big longshot to make the team.

Thompson is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA, 30 H and 18/6 K/BB in 30 IP for Caguas. If he can stay healthy, he should get a chance to compete for a spot in the Texas bullpen. However, the team already has two lefties assured of jobs (Ron Mahay and Brian Shouse) and Erasmo Ramirez also tops Thompson on the depth chart.

Thompson, who has already signed a minor league deal to stay with the Rangers, has allowed two earned runs in 8 1/3 innings over two appearances. It remains to be seen whether the longer outings signify that he’ll be returning to a starting role in 2005. In his ongoing battle to return from his shoulder problems, he had a 2.61 ERA in 23 relief appearances for Double-A Frisco last season.

Maybe 2005 will finally be the year Thompson makes it back to the majors. He has a 1.35 ERA in 13 1/3 IP for Caguas.