Tepesch ready; Ogando getting close

SEATTLE -- Nick Tepesch is ready to rejoin the Rangers' rotation, and Alexi Ogando is not far behind. Tepesch threw approximately 50 pitches in the bullpen on Thursday without any problems with the blister on the middle finger of his right hand.

Tepesch was supposed to pitch on Wednesday against the Athletics but was pushed back because of the blister. He will start on Sunday against the Mariners.

"It's getting there," Tepesch said. "I didn't feel it in the bullpen at all. It's getting close to where it needs to be."

Ogando, who is on the disabled list with tendinitis in his right triceps muscle, played catch on Friday before the Rangers game with the Mariners and said his arm is feeling much better.

"It's not 100 percent but it's almost," Ogando said.

Ogando will continue to throw this weekend, and the Rangers are planning for him to throw a bullpen session between games during Monday's doubleheader with the Arizona Diamondbacks. If that goes well, Ogando will either pitch one game on rehab assignment or rejoin the Rangers during a three-game series against the Royals next weekend at the Ballpark in Arlington. He is eligible to come off the disabled list on May 31.

"We'll know more about where he is and when he's coming off after he throws that bullpen session," manager Ron Washington said.