Fujikawa Likely Headed to DL

As if the Texas Rangers' bullpen doesn't already have enough questions and injuries โ€” even mild ones โ€” heading into Opening Day on Monday, now it appears veteran reliever Kyuji Fujikawa will likely start the season on the disabled list.

Fujikawa had pitched solidly all spring until Tuesday, when he allowed all five batters he faced to reach base in a disastrous ninth inning for the Rangers, and the veteran who starred both in Japan and with the Chicago Cubs before needing Tommy John surgery and missing much of 2014 is now dealing with a groin issue.

Fujikawa will be examined by team orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister on Thursday after complaining of groin tightness, meaning he'll likely join Tanner Scheppers as right-handed relievers starting the season on the DL. Fellow righty reliever Shawn Tolleson looked to be headed in the same direction but now appears he could begin the season on the active roster.

If Fujikawa does go on the DL, it could be set retroactively to Wednesday, meaning he'd be eligible to return on April 16, which is an off-day for the Rangers before beginning a weekend series the next day in Seattle.

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