Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Thu 11/2/23 10:44 PM

Kennedy retired following the World Series on Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kennedy ended the season on the injured list with a shoulder injury, and he opted to retire immediately after winning his first World Series with the Rangers. He pitched in 17 seasons at the big-league level and had strong runs of success as a starter as a member of the Diamondbacks, Padres and Royals before shifting to the bullpen later in his career.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Sat 9/16/23 6:39 PM

Kennedy was placed on the 60-day injured list Saturday due to a rotator cuff strain, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Kennedy had his contract selected by the Rangers on Sept. 5 and made five appearances with the team, posting a 7.11 ERA and 1.42 WHIP across 6.1 frames. His season will come to a close, but he'll have his eyes set on a healthy return for spring training.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Tue 9/5/23 4:44 PM

The Rangers selected Kennedy's contract from Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday.
EDGE Analysis
The veteran right-hander made the Rangers' Opening Day roster as a non-roster invitee, but he was designated for assignment and elected free agency in mid-May after he posted a 7.20 ERA in 11 outings. Kennedy re-signed on a minor-league deal in June and has a 3.51 ERA and 30:9 K:BB over 25.2 innings at Triple-A, and he'll receive another chance with the big club for the stretch run.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Tue 6/20/23 10:18 AM

Kennedy re-signed with the Rangers on a minor-league contract June 13.
EDGE Analysis
Kennedy became a free agent in mid-May upon clearing waivers after the Rangers designated him for assignment. After spending about a month exploring his options on the open market, he determined a return to Texas was his best course of action. The 38-year-old right-hander has yet to make an appearance for an affiliate since re-signing with Texas, as he's still in the process of building back up again at the Rangers' spring training facility in Arizona. Once he's deemed ready for game action, Kennedy will presumably report to Triple-A Round Rock.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Tue 5/16/23 11:24 AM

Kennedy elected free agency Sunday after refusing an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock.
EDGE Analysis
Rather than sticking around in the Rangers organization after he was removed from the 40-man roster last Thursday, Kennedy will explore his options on the open market. The 38-year-old right-hander posted a 7.20 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 13:3 K:BB in 10 innings out of the Texas bullpen prior to being designated for assignment.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Thu 5/11/23 3:01 PM

Kennedy was designated for assignment by the Rangers on Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
Kennedy was bludgeoned for 10 runs (eight earned) over 10 innings to earn a ticket off the 26- and 40-man rosters. The 38-year-old struggled mightily in 2022, as well, so it's possible this is the end of the line for the 17-year veteran.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Sun 4/16/23 10:57 AM

Kennedy allowed five runs (four earned) on two hits and two walks over a third of an inning in Saturday's 8-2 loss to Houston.
EDGE Analysis
Kennedy entered in the seventh inning with the Rangers down a run and didn't survive the frame. The right-hander gave up two hits and two walks, the second of which produced the inning's first run. He then induced a grounder, which was booted by shortstop Josh Smith as two more runs scored. That ended Kennedy's night, but he was charged with another two runs in an ugly inning that included the ejection of manager Bruce Bochy. Kennedy has allowed seven runs (five earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out five over 3.2 innings through five outings.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Sat 4/8/23 9:07 AM

Kennedy threw a perfect eighth inning in Friday's 2-0 loss to the Cubs.
EDGE Analysis
Kennedy made his second appearance of the season, both as the final pitcher in 2-0 losses. He earned a roster spot with an effective stint in the Cactus League and was considered a possible closer candidate due to Jose Leclerc's neck injury in spring training, but with Leclerc healthy and Will Smith added to the roster, it looks like Kennedy will serve as a competent bullpen arm that can pitch in a variety of roles.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Wed 3/29/23 4:18 PM

The Rangers selected Kennedy's contract Wednesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
He was probably going to make the team regardless of how he performed in spring training, but Kennedy forced his way onto the roster with a 2.25 ERA and 8:3 K:BB over eight Cactus League innings. The veteran reliever could even work his way into closing situations on a team without an established back end of the bullpen.

Ian Kennedy
RP FA
Sun 3/19/23 11:44 AM

Kennedy allowed one walk over a scoreless sixth inning in Saturday's spring game against the Angels.
EDGE Analysis
This was the fifth straight scoreless appearance for Kennedy, a non-roster invitee who has allowed two hits and a walk while striking out four during the scoreless stretch. "He's experienced and he's gotten better as spring has gone on, which is usually the case with those guys," Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. "He knows what he's doing out there." Kennedy has recent history as a closer, including a stint with the Rangers in 2021, but it's unlikely he rises to that level if added to the Opening Day roster.