Roy Oswalt has been shaky at times while building up his arm strength in the minors, but yesterday the 34-year-old right-hander threw six innings and stretched out to 100 pitches at Triple-A.
Making his fourth tune-up start since signing with the Rangers late last month, Oswalt allowed two runs on six hits--including just one extra-base hit--and struck out five and walking one.
At the time of the signing Oswalt said he’d be ready to join the Rangers’ rotation after four starts and he’s posted a solid 13/4 K/BB ratio in 15 innings, but has also allowed opponents to hit .308 while allowing 10 runs in those 15 frames.
Oswalt isn’t exactly banging down the door to the majors, but with Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, and Alexi Ogando all on the disabled list and Scott Feldman not getting the job done as a fill-in starter the Rangers may decide he’s already their best option.
