Blackley slated for Tuesday's start vs. Astros

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have announced left-hander Travis Blackley will start on Tuesday night against the Astros. Blackley, who will be the first Australian-born player to play for the Rangers, replaces Alexi Ogando, who is sidelined with inflammation in his right shoulder.

The Rangers will make a corresponding roster move before Tuesday's game to make room for Blackley. They could either put Ogando on the disabled list or they could option left-hander Robbie Ross to Triple-A. Putting Ogando on the DL is the most likely move, but he has shown significant improvement and may only need to miss one start.

"We haven't made that decision yet," manager Ron Washington said.

The Rangers acquired Blackley from the Astros on Aug. 14 for cash considerations. He was 1-1 with a 4.89 ERA in 42 relief appearances for the Astros. He pitched three scoreless innings for Triple-A Round Rock on Thursday, throwing 40 pitches. The Rangers are hoping Blackley can give them five-six innings on Tuesday.

"Honestly, I could probably go out there and throw 100 [pitches], but I don't know how I would feel the next couple of days," Blackley said. "But adrenaline takes over when you're on the mound, and just go with whatever they have planned and take it from there. Try to keep throwing up zeros until I'm taken out."

Blackley has made 23 starts in his Major League career and is 6-7 with a 6.00 ERA. He has just eight wins at the Major League level and four of them have come against the Rangers. Texas decided to go with him and leave right-hander Ross Wolf in the bullpen.

"I think his experience plays into it more than anything," Washington said. "We're not looking for him to give us six-seven innings, just give us what he's got and then we'll go to the bullpen."