Harrison hopes to begin throwing program on Monday

ARLINGTON -- Matt Harrison, who is on the disabled list after undergoing back surgery earlier this season, is hoping to begin a throwing program on Monday. But it could be September before he is back in the Rangers' rotation.

Harrison said he has been told to take it slow even after he begins his throwing program. That could mean throwing on flat ground for 4-6 weeks before getting back on the mound. Once Harrison gets on the mound, it could be at least another month before he could build up enough arm strength and endurance to be in a Major League rotation.

"I haven't thrown in two months," Harrison said. "It would be like starting my offseason throwing program. It's frustrating, but it could be worse. I could have missed the whole year. I want to get it right in the next two months and be back at the end of the year. But it's probably going to be another two months for sure."

Harrison is one of three key starting pitchers on the disabled list. Colby Lewis remains limited to playing catch in his rehab program but is hoping to get back on the mound soon. He was shut down from his rehabilitation assignment because of soreness in the back of his right elbow. He is now 10 1/2 months removed from surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon.

Alexi Ogando is on the disabled list with inflammation in his right shoulder and has not resumed throwing. But the Rangers are still planning on him returning to the rotation when he is healthy.