Jim Merritt - Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers

Merritt started the 1973 season in the bullpen, but moved into the starting rotation in June. Texas lost 105 games in 1973. For his part, Merritt was 5-13 with one save and a 4.05 ERA. Over the following two seasons, Merritt appeared in 31 more games for Texas without a decision or save. He was released on July 17, 1975. Perhaps the most notable moment of his Texas Rangers career occurred on August 23, 1973 when Merritt credited the three hit shutout he pitched against the Cleveland Indians to the 25 "Gaylord fastballs" He threw. The following day, AL President Joe Cronin fined Merritt for throwing spitters.