40-man: Joe Gatto.


A continuing look at the Rangers 40-man roster.

JOE GATTO 
Age: 25
Right-Handed Pitcher

Joe Gatto. Joey Gallo. This won’t be too confusing.

But it might not end up being an issue, considering how Gatto has pitched before the Rangers picked him up from the Angels after they released him.

In fact, before the Rangers signed the 6-foot three-inch right-hander as a free-agent in early December, Gatto had spent his entire six-year minor league career in the Angels organization. And was unremarkable. 

He didn’t pitch at all in 2020. Once the season was shut down, so was he. Which sort of gives you an idea of how much the Angels valued him.

His minor league career wasn’t spectacular. He was mostly used as a starter from 2014 to 2018, then was moved to the bullpen for his 32 appearances in 2019. His minor league ERA is 4.80, with a not-so-great 1.581 WHIP.  

So, Gatto goes into the season most likely trying to find a place in the Rangers bullpen. He has an uphill battle to make the team, and to remain on the 40-man roster.