While their starting pitching hasn't been anything special, their bullpen has been downright terrible most of the season. The Rangers, with a 39-39 record entering play Wednesday, June 25, would have at least a few more wins if not for the struggles of relievers C.J. Wilson and Joaquin Benoit.

It seemed as though a closer change was coming recently, but manager Ron Washington has stuck with Wilson at least for the short term. However, reliever Eddie Guardado (ankle) is making a case to receive a few save opportunities.

How bad has it been?

Currently, no reliever who has thrown more than 25 innings in relief in the Texas pen has an ERA of less than 3.55. Their best pitchers in the bullpen are currently Guardado (3.55 ERA) and relievers Josh Rupe (3.70) and Jamey Wright (3.89 ERA). Even they have had poor outings at times this season, but compared to the rest of the bullpen they may as well be Goose Gossage and Bruce Sutter.

Their closer, Wilson, currently has a 0-2 record with 15 saves (two blown chances), a 4.88 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. After they traded former closer Eric Gagne (Milwaukee Brewers) to the Boston Red Sox last July, the Rangers used both Wilson and Benoit in save situations. Following the swap, the southpaw was 12-for-13 in his opportunities, while Benoit closed out just five of his nine chances, though some of his blown saves came in a setup role.

After winning the job before the season, Wilson appears to be on thin ice as the ninth-inning stopper. Although Wilson has 15 saves this season, it seems like every time he goes out there he makes the game interesting. He has allowed at least one earned run in three of his last five outings, though he picked up the save in three of them.

He reportedly has had trouble consistently harnessing the command on his fastball, which could be causing him to rely too heavily on his breaking pitches. Wilson's anxious outings have Texas fans (and fantasy owners) hoping that he fixes his problems soon.

However, Washington said this week that Wilson is his guy "for now," but it doesn't sound as if he'll have a long leash going forward. Where would the Rangers turn if they removed Wilson from the closer role?

Other options in the pen

Certainly the first person on the list to replace Wilson is "Everyday Eddie." Guardado has 184 career saves on his resume, most of which came with the Twins and Mariners from 2002-05. Though recently injured, it seems apparent that if any move was made, it would be to install Guardado as the closer. He has been arguably their best reliever this season and has the experience.

Coming into the season, Benoit was floated around as a potential replacement for Wilson had he struggled early this season and forced a move. Benoit had six saves and a 2.85 ERA for Texas last season.

However, Benoit quickly pitched his way out of the closing discussion and currently sports a 6.10 ERA with a 27-25 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was recently given extended time off due to shoulder inflammation (he made just two appearances from June 8 to June 24), but at this point it appears he would be a step down from Wilson as closer.

Fantasy baseball outlook

Washington seems willing to let the first-year closer work through his problems, but clearly his recent struggles have made his hold on the role more tenuous. It actually seems as though Wilson could benefit a short relief of his closing duties to work out his problems and potentially return to the role in a better position to succeed later this season. However, owners should stick with Wilson as long as he is getting save opportunities. Just be prepared to make a move if he's removed from the role.

Owners currently desperate for saves will want to monitor the Texas situation closely. This may be their best chance at getting a closer who could get a shot at closing the remainder of the season. Though injured right now, Guardado should be added in all AL-only leagues and could be a speculative acquisition in mixed varieties for those struggling in the saves category.

As for Benoit, he is not currently an option regardless of format.