When Roy Oswalt signed with the Texas Rangers back in late-May, it was supposed to add depth to an already-deep pitching staff in Arlington.
Now, if we could just get everyone healthy at the same time again.
Not only is Roy Oswalt missing Monday's scheduled start because of back soreness, but now Colby Lewis is looking like he'll return to the disabled list after making just one start since his last two-week stint on the DL with forearm stiffness.
Lewis says this time around isn't as bad after he went five innings and gave up one run in Oakland last week before leaving early with further stiffness in the forearm.
But it still sounds like Lewis is leaning toward another DL stay after a visit with famed doctor Keith Meister today.
"I've got to take care of a career," Lewis told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "There are other things I've had, but an arm isn't something you need to mess with. So, if it's a couple more weeks or a month, that's what needs to happen."
This coupled with Oswalt's back could accelerate the need for the Rangers to go after a starting pitcher at the trade deadline next week. It seems as if Cole Hamels is set to re-sign with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Rangers just don't seem real interested in Milwaukee Brewers starter Zack Greinke, both of whom are free agents after the season. The outside shot of Cliff Lee re-joining the Rangers has been kicked around by a few folks, as have names like Matt Garza, Ryan Dempster and possibly James Shields.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
As for the short term, if Lewis does in fact head back to the DL he'd be replaced in the rotation by most likely Martin Perez, or possibly Justin Grimm, who would start in Lewis' place on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox.
