Rangers encouraged by Ogando's outing vs. Rays

BOSTON -- The Rangers were encouraged by what they saw from Alexi Ogando in the eighth inning of Sunday's game against the Rays. Ogando allowed two of four batters to reach base and Neal Cotts had to get the Rangers out of the inning.

But Ogando is coming over the top more on his delivery rather than dropping his arm. By doing so, it creates more velocity and helps Ogando get the ball down in the zone. When he does that, Ogando is at his best.

"He's better, he just needs to be consistent with his delivery," manager Ron Washington said.

"I have been working on the angle of my arm and it's been a lot better," Ogando said. "It's just about feeling comfortable throwing and I feel more comfortable over the top. There is less stress on my shoulder."

If Ogando can get the power back in his pitches and keep the ball down in the zone, he could emerge as the Rangers eighth-inning power reliever while Tanner Scheppers is in the rotation.