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Baker replaces lefty Ross in Rangers' rotation

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have taken left-hander Robbie Ross out of the rotation and replaced him with veteran right-hander Scott Baker.

Baker is scheduled to start on Friday against the Tigers, followed by Nick Martinez on Saturday and Colby Lewis on Sunday. Ross, who was a setup reliever the past two seasons, was 1-4 with a 4.78 ERA in nine starts. He started on Saturday against the Blue Jays and is expected to be immediately available out of the bullpen.

"He wasn't as effective as we'd like him to be," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We haven't totally given up on Robbie being a starter, but we're in a position where we have to get our players in a position to succeed."

Baker was with the Twins from 2005-11 and made 159 starts with a record of 63-48 while tallying a 4.17 ERA before his career was derailed by Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery. He made three starts for the Cubs last year before signing a Minor League contract with the Rangers in Spring Training.

Baker was 4-1 with a 3.32 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Round Rock before he was called up to the big leagues. His only outing with the Rangers was on May 7, when he pitched 5 1/3 innings in relief against the Rockies. He allowed two runs.

"He's got experience," Washington said. "He's been out there trying to get 27 outs before. We'll give him a shot. Where we are is giving guys opportunities so he'll get an opportunity."

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger.
Read More: Texas Rangers, Robbie Ross Jr., Scott Baker