After giving the Texas Rangers a bit of scare over the weekend when he was scratched from a Cactus League start with toe inflammation on his left foot, it seems Matt Harrison's toe is just fine now, putting him back on schedule to start during the Rangers' opening series in Houston, possibly even on Opening Night when they'll play in Houston on ESPN on March 31.
Harrison threw two innings in a "B" game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. His line didn't look good, giving up two runs on four hits, but that's not what the Rangers were concerning themselves with. The important thing was that Harrison felt no pain in his toe and has canceled any plans to return to DFW to see an orthopedist.
“The toe was good, no pain, no issues,” Harrison told the Star-Telegram. “Pitching, I felt great. This is the best I felt all spring and I think it’s because I didn’t have to worry about that issue and my legs were back under me and I was able to get better action than the past two games.”
Harrison plans to pitch again on Saturday, which would put him in line to start on March 31. The Rangers have made no determination on who will start the season opener, but you'd have to assume it's either Harrison or Yu Darvish getting the call.
If the past serves as any indication, Harrison might be the guy as Ron Washington has shown a tendency to reward guys for consistency and success in the previous season. Harrison was, from start to finish, the Rangers' best pitcher last season and it wasn't even close.
