Oliver goes to work for the Rangers

ARLINGTON -- Former Rangers pitcher Darren Oliver was back in uniform on Tuesday at the Ballpark in Arlington. Oliver retired as a pitcher after last season but is going to work for the Rangers as a special assistant.

Oliver's duties have not been completely spelled out, but he still lives in Tarrant County and, like former catcher Ivan Rodriguez, he can help the Rangers in a variety of ways both on and off the field.

"I want him to give up his experience," manager Ron Washington said. "He's got something to offer."

Oliver spent the past two seasons with the Blue Jays. But 10 of his 20 seasons in the Major Leagues were spent with the Rangers, including 2010-11, when he was a part of two World Series teams. Oliver turned 43 after last season but was still a respectable 3-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 50 games for the Blue Jays before deciding to retire.

"It was time," Oliver said. "Plus, my arm wasn't feeling all that good and I was missing a lot of things being away from home."

Oliver is not looking to get back in the game full-time as a pitching coach.

"This is good enough for me," he said.