ARLINGTON -- Rangers manager Jeff Banister said prior to Tuesday's game against the Indians that it's going to be tougher to decide if he is going to challenge a call this season now that the new rules require him to make up his mind in 30 seconds.
Banister issued his first challenge in the first inning on Opening Day, when Carlos Gomez was thrown out trying to steal. Banister admitted that he did not get a definitive answer from the clubhouse on whether to challenge and ended up going with his gut. The call stood after a review, meaning there was no conclusive evidence either way.
"There was challenge within the challenge," Banister said.
Banister said that the decision to challenge may depend more on risk versus reward in any given situation. Before Major League Baseball imposed the 30-second time limit, managers had more time to make sure they received definitive advice from those in the clubhouse reviewing the video.
"Now you have to be a little more bullish with your challenges," he said.
He made it work in the first inning on Tuesday night, when Cleveland's Francisco Lindor walked with one out and then was called safe stealing second. Banister put in his challenge within 30 seconds, and the call was overturned after a review.
Ross close to Minor League assignment
Tyson Ross, who is completing his recovery from offseason surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, threw a bullpen session on Tuesday. If he recovers well, he could begin a 30-day rehab assignment in the Minor Leagues on Friday.
Ross, who made just one start last season for the Padres, would likely need the full 30 days and five or six starts before he is Major League-ready. So far his recovery process has gone smoothly, with no setbacks. One reason is because Ross refuses to look farther than the next step.
"I still have a long ways to go," Ross said. "Everything down the line will work out if I take care of business on a daily basis."
Rangers beat
• Andrew Cashner, who was set back in Spring Training because of soreness in his right biceps, is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Wednesday afternoon. Adrian Beltre, who is on the disabled list with a tight right calf, could be among those who hit off him.
• Martin Perez turned 26 on Tuesday.
• Elvis Andrus hit a double and a triple on Opening Day. The only other Rangers player to do that on Opening Day was Ruben Mateo, in 2001.