Rangers have yet to decide on Scheppers' return

WASHINGTON -- Pitcher Tanner Scheppers, who is on the disabled list with inflammation in his right elbow, went 1 2/3 innings in his latest outing on medical rehab assignment outing, throwing 28 pitches against Omaha on Saturday.

Scheppers allowed one run on two hits, including a home run, did not walk a batter and struck out two. He has now made four appearances on his rehab assignment with a 9.82 ERA and a .338 opponents' batting average.

The next step is to decide if he'll be activated on Tuesday, or if the Rangers want him to continue to get work on rehab.

"We haven't had any conversations on what our plans are," manager Ron Washington said. "We'll have something decided by Tuesday."

If Scheppers is activated, the Rangers would have a tough decision as to who he would replace in the bullpen. It certainly won't be one of their veteran relievers: Joakim Soria, Neal Cotts, Alexi Ogando or Jason Frasor.

Shawn Tolleson has options, but he has pitched as well as anybody on the staff. He has not allowed a run in his last eight outings, as opponents have just three hits in their last 33 at-bats against him.

That leaves Scott Baker, who has been crucial as a spot starter and long reliever, and Robbie Ross. Ross and Cotts are the only left-handers in the bullpen. Ross can also give the Rangers multiple innings.