Robbie Ross has been a huge figure in the Texas Rangers' bullpen all season and even spent much of the season as the only left-handed pitcher in the bullpen, which led to him racking up innings (60 2/3) as a 23-year-old rookie before hitting the disabled list after an outing back on Aug. 29.
Now, he's close to working his way back to the Rangers as he threw from 175 feet on Tuesday and is expected to throw off a mound on Thursday. If all goes well with that, he could be activated for Friday's series opener at home against the Seattle Mariners.
Aside from possibly Joe Nathan, Robbie Ross has been the biggest pleasant surprise for the Rangers this season, piling up innings and posting a 1.78 ERA after being a longshot to make the big-league roster out of spring training.
Ross is equally tough to hit for right-handed and left-handed batters, and has actually faced more righties this season, just showing how versatile he is and how much trust Washington has in him for such a young kid.
The Rangers' bullpen, which is undoubtedly one of the league's best, relies on Ross' versatility. He can pitch three or four innings, or come in to get one big out. If Ross can't get back in full health, the Rangers' pen could be in trouble come October, but all signs are pointing toward a positive return, and sooner rather than later.
