Texas Rangers news, rumors and injuries

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:05:12 -0800

The Texas Rangers would prefer if SP Alexi Ogando won a starting spot in the rotation this spring, but if he doesn't, they know they can use him out of the bullpen. He's no longer dealing with shoulder inflammation that put him on the disabled list last season, either. "His work ethic has picked up. He understands what you have to do to be a starter," manager Ron Washington said."

Share: | Source: MLB.com - Jesse Sanchez

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 14:01:21 -0800

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington said the team's closer competition remains wide open between RPs Neftali Feliz, Joakim Soria and Tanner Scheppers. Soria retired all three batters he faced in 10 pitches Thursday, March 6, and Feliz retired all three hitters he faced on 16 pitches. Feliz's fastball touched 93 mph and his changeup hit 85 mph. "I wish all of sudden he could come into spring training and all of a sudden you see 95 (mph) or 97 but he'll work his way to that if it's still in him," Washington said. "But right now, I just want him to stay healthy and if he stays healthy, he'll be where he needs to be."

Fantasy Tip: Remember, Feliz is working his way back from Tommy John surgery, so it's a work in progress with his velocity and command. However, all reports so far have been positive. Unless he suffers a setback, we expect him to open the season as the closer.

Share: | Source: MLB.com - Jesse Sanchez

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:59:10 -0800

Texas Rangers C Geovany Soto (ankle) will take batting practice Friday, March 7, and plans to play in a game March 15. The team won't push him after he had arthroscopic surgery last month to remove a bone in his left ankle.

Share: | Source: MLB.com - Jesse Sanchez

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:55:59 -0800

Texas Rangers 2B Jurickson Profar (shoulder) is expected to play in the field "sometime after the middle of the month," according to manager Ron Washington. Profar was 2-for-4 with a grand slam as the designated hitter Thursday, March 6. "He's throwing in drills now and he's up to 100-something feet so once we can get him out there to 190 feet where he can throw and keep the ball with some velocity on it, we'll get him out there," Washington said. "At least, he's throwing in the drills now and that's a good thing."

Share: | Source: MLB.com - Jesse Sanchez

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:52:13 -0800

Texas Rangers SP Matt Harrison (back) threw to hitters for the first time Friday, March 7, in more than 11 months. He tossed 40 pitches during a live batting practice session. He'll next throw a bullpen Sunday, March 9, and pitch in a B game Tuesday, March 11. Harrison is likely to begin the year on the disabled list, as the team is being cautious.

Share: | Source: The Dallas Morning News - Gerry Fraley

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 12:24:10 -0800

The Texas Rangers re-assigned P Matt West to High Single-A Myrtle Beach Friday, March 7, and also re-assigned C Jose Felix to minor league camp.

Share: | Source: ESPNDallas.com - Richard Durrett

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:34:36 -0800

Texas Rangers OF Engel Beltre (shins) is day-to-day with shin splints.

Share: | Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Drew Davison

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 11:32:52 -0800

Texas Rangers OF Alex Rios (oblique) is dealing with a mild right oblique strain and is listed as day-to-day.

Fantasy Tip: Oblique strains can be tricky, so this is an injury that could spill into the regular season and affect his performance early on if he doesn't manage it correctly. Unless he suffers another setback, though, it shouldn't affect his draft stock.

Share: | Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram - Drew Davison

Thu, 06 Mar 2014 08:36:38 -0800

The Texas Rangers designated OF Alex Castellanos for assignment Wednesday, March 5.

Share: | Source: CBSSports.com

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:33:39 -0800

Texas Rangers RP Nathan Adcock (finger) remains shut down until at least Saturday, March 8, due to numbness in his fingers.

Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:33:17 -0800

Texas Rangers RP Shawn Tolleson (shoulder) has been sidelined due to a sore shoulder, but he has started to throw up to a distance of 100 feet.

Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:32:53 -0800

Texas Rangers RP Ben Rowen (biceps) continues to recover from biceps tendinitis. He has resumed throwing up to a distance of 60 feet.

Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:32:25 -0800

Texas Rangers RP Miles Mikolas (elbow) has started to throw up to a distance of 100 feet.

Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:31:53 -0800

Updating a previous report, the deal between the Texas Rangers and SP Joe Saunders is for one year and $500,000. He would make $1.5 million if he is on the 25-man roster, and he might make more in incentives.

Fantasy Tip: Saunders will compete for a spot in the back end of the rotation, and he would be a serviceable head-to-head option in AL-only formats for his win potential, since he has a strong lineup providing offensive support.

Share: | Source: The Associated Press

Wed, 05 Mar 2014 19:31:29 -0800

Texas Rangers SS Elvis Andrus (forearm) was able to return to the lineup for the Cactus League spring game Wednesday, March 5. He missed the past four games due to bout with right forearm tendinitis.

Share: | Source: The Associated Press