Rangers keep eye on pitching after Meetings

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Rangers had six players become free agents at the end of the 2016 season, and four of them are just about out the door.

The club is bringing back outfielder Carlos Gomez — pending a physical — but Carlos Beltran has signed with the Astros, Ian Desmond has a deal in place with the Rockies, as does Mitch Moreland with the Red Sox, while Derek Holland is waiting on the Pirates and the White Sox.

That leaves right-hander Colby Lewis. As the Winter Meetings closed on Thursday, the Rangers left town still looking for starting pitching, while Lewis was still looking for a job.

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Lewis has made it clear he wants to return. The Rangers have a high regard for Lewis, but they are still wary of his health history and giving up a spot on the 40-man roster.

“They both play into it,” Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. “There is always going to be interest in Colby. There is no doubt about the man. No question there. There’s not much I can say that hasn’t already been said. It’s more dollars and what the opportunity there is.”

Lewis was 6-5 with a 3.71 ERA in 19 …

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