Ogando gets rehab start; Perez to return

By T.R. Sullivan and Master Tesfatsion

May 29, 2013

ARLINGTON -- Alexi Ogando, who is on the disabled list with triceps tendinitis, has been scheduled to start and throw five innings and 75 pitches on Friday for Double-A Frisco on medical rehabilitation assignment.

If all goes well, Ogando will rejoin the rotation on June 7 against the Blue Jays in Toronto. Until then, Martin Perez will continue to fill the fifth spot in the rotation and pitch Saturday against the Royals.

Ogando has thrown twice in the bullpen and has had no problems. He threw on Monday in Arizona and again on Wednesday at the Ballpark in Arlington.

"I feel good," Ogando said. "There is no soreness at all. They just want to make sure."

The Rangers were planning to start Martin Perez on Saturday to fill Ogando's spot. But that plan was scuttled when Wednesday's game with the D-backs was postponed because of wet field conditions. The Rangers are simply moving Justin Grimm, Derek Holland and Nick Tepesch back one day. Grimm pitches on Thursday against the Diamondbacks while Holland pitches Friday and Tepesch pitches Saturday against the Royals. Perez will remain with Triple-A Round Rock for the time being.

"He'll just have to wait for another opportunity," Washington said.

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. Master Tesfatsion is an associate reporter for MLB.com.