The Sunday Read: Don’t judge a pitcher by his mohawk. Get to know Rangers starter Jon Gray

(Canadian Press photo)

ARLINGTON — Let’s face it.  Many people would cross the street if they saw a 6-foot-4 dude with a mohawk and scraggly beard walking toward them on the same sidewalk.

Jon Gray, the Texas Rangers’ big offseason pitching acquisition and their Opening Day starter, is that dude.

“He’s a teddy bear,” pitching coach Doug Mathis said.

Gray is into gaming. He and his wife have two Yorkshire terriers he just adores. They hit the road in an RV with the dogs and three cats for their big offseason vacation.

The right-hander is the definition of not judging a book by its cover.

“I’m more on the nerd side of things,” Gray said.

Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com