We heard earlier this week that the Rangers were considering moving Alexi Ogando back in the starting rotation. Well, they got the ball rolling in last night’s loss to the White Sox.
Last night’s starter, Yu Darvish, was knocked out of the ballgame after 6 1/3 innings, so Ogando ended up pitching the final 2 2/3 innings. The 28-year-old right-hander allowed two hits and two walks, including an RBI double to Alex Rios and a two-run homer to Alexei Ramirez in the top of the ninth. He ended up throwing a season-high 44 pitches, topping the 39 he threw over three innings in his spot-start against the Giants back on June 10.
According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth-Star Telegram, Rangers manager Ron Washington confirmed after the game that they are trying to stretch Ogando as a starting pitcher. If it happens, he would take the rotation spot of Colby Lewis, who is out for the season following surgery yesterday to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow. The spot is currently being held down by Scott Feldman, who tossed seven innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox on Monday.
Ogando might not be needed in the rotation at all if the Rangers get someone Josh Johnson from the Marlins or James Shields from the Rays before Tuesday’s non-waiver trade deadline, but he’s a pretty nice “Plan B.”
