Ogando still searching for consistency

DETROIT -- Alexi Ogando pitched two innings against the Tigers on Friday night, allowing one run on two hits and a walk. He has pitched in 24 games, has a 6.65 ERA, a 1.89 WHIP and opponents are hitting .315 off him. He can be dominating one day and ineffective the next.

The Rangers need Ogando to sustain an extended run of success because they see him as their best chance right now for a dominating setup reliever in front of closer Joakim Soria. But the consistency is not there.

"He has taken to some of the things we have worked on, but he has to continue to work on repeating his delivery," pitching coach Mike Maddux said. "He is staying downhill through the ball better and getting more extension and making more decent pitches. He just needs to be consistent on pitch quality and repeating his delivery."

Ogando averages 94 miles per hour on his fastball, second highest on the team. Aaron Poreda is 94.8. Ogando has also had an effective changeup, but his slider has been erratic. Ogando said he sometimes gets in trouble by trying to overthrow.

"I need to take take it easy, make my stride [downhill] and throw a strike," Ogando said. "It's something I'm working on."