Cross your fingers. Kolby Allard looks like he might stick for a while. 

The 22-year-old lefty wasn’t drafted or developed by the Rangers so there is real possibility here of him being the real deal.

All he did yesterday was hold this rejuvenated Toronto Blue Jays offense to three runs and four hits in 5.2 innings to pick up his first win as a Ranger. 

He should be giving every chance in the world to pitch out of the Rangers rotation for the rest of the year, then fight for one of the three open rotation spots for next year.

Like any young pitcher, he will likely have his ups and downs. Ariel Jurado had some strong early starts this year before the league caught up to him. So did Pedro Payano. And Adrian Sampson. 

No matter how he fares the rest of the way, Allard will be a breath of fresh air compared to the moldy gym shoes that were Drew Smyly and Shelby Miller. It’s more enjoyable to watch a young kid get his sealegs than a washed up veteran earn the term has been.

Hope is always better than despair. 

*****

TODAY’S GAME:

TBD (0-0, 4.15) vs. Pedro Payano (1-1, 3.86)

Game time: 7:05