It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the Texas Rangers' pitching staff is on a bit of life support right now. It's not that the pitchers have been horrible, or even bad, really, but it's more a case of being banged up and having to call upon guys that might not be ready to pitch in the bigs at the moment, see Josh Lindblom, Ross Wolf and Martin Perez.
A big reason for that is the recent trip to the disabled list by Alexi Ogando, who was transitioned back to the starting rotation this season after being in the bullpen last year, after being in the rotation in 2011, after being in an elite setup man in 2010 — you get the picture.
Ogando has been on the DL since May 16 with biceps tendinitis and is eligible to return on May 31, when he'd likely get a rehab start before returning next week sometime.
The righty, who is still trying to fit in as a full-time starter while giving everyone confidence that he could help out a limping bullpen in a big way, threw a bullpen session on Monday while with the team in Arizona and reported no soreness afterward.
When Ogando returns, the Rangers might have a decision to make on him although it seems he's been penciled in as a starter by a front office who really wants to see him succeed there, but boy, he sure would like nice in the bullpen right now alongside winning pieces like Robbie Ross, Neal Cotts, Tanner Scheppers and Joe Nathan.
