The Texas Rangers are getting closer to welcoming back a key piece of their pitching staff, with the left-hander taking another encouraging step toward returning from injury.
He faced Rangers hitters Nicky Lopez, Josh Jung and Kyle Higashioka during a live batting-practice session. The workout marked another important milestone in his recovery, and he came away pleased with how everything went.
“It felt great,” the pitcher said. “Honestly, it felt good to be back. It felt normal.”
The lefty has been sidelined since April 23 because of inflammation in his left rotator cuff. After spending months working his way back, he admitted he was eager to finally face hitters again.
“It was hard for me to sleep last night because I was just excited to get out there,” he said. “I accomplished everything I needed to accomplish.”
His next test will come during a rehab assignment, which is expected to begin Saturday. The Rangers currently plan for him to make two or three appearances before determining when he is ready to rejoin the major league club.
For Texas, his return could provide a significant boost as the team enters a critical stretch of the season. Manager Skip Schumaker emphasized, however, that the priority is not simply getting the pitcher back on the mound but making sure he is healthy and capable of contributing immediately.
“We want him back, obviously,” Schumaker said. “We want his health — that part is obviously most important — but we need him to produce. So, it’s not just about getting back, but helping us win games.”
With the rehab assignment approaching, the Rangers are now one step closer to finding out what their left-hander can provide down the stretch.