King (6-5) allowed three runs (two earned) on zero hits and one walk while striking out three over three-plus relief innings to pick up the win over Oakland on Thursday.
King relieved starter Dane Dunning after four innings -- exiting after four or five innings has been the norm for Dunning in 2021 -- and provided bulk relief. For the second consecutive outing, King set down the first nine batters he faced before tiring during a fourth inning of work. A hit batter, a walk and his own throwing error ended the left-hander's night, and all three runners came around to score. King is being stretched out for a possible starting role, but his highest pitch count thus far is 55. The Rangers may instead keep him in a tandem role with Dunning, whose innings are being managed this season.