Harrison receives second anti-inflammatory shot

SEATTLE -- Matt Harrison, who is on the disabled list with an inflamed nerve in his lower back, received a second anti-inflammatory injection on Saturday. Harrison, who last pitched on April 6 in an 8-4 loss to the Angels, has still not resumed throwing.

Harrison, who started on Opening Night, is not traveling with the Rangers, but remains in Texas getting his treatment. He is eligible to come off the disabled list on April 22, but that may not be realistic given the second injection. Harrison will likely need multiple mound sessions and possibly a medical rehabilitation start in the Minors to rebuild arm strength before he is ready to return to the rotation.

"It's frustrating," Harrison said in a text message. "The first shot didn't work as well as planned, and I got another one yesterday. Hopefully, it works."

The Rangers called up Justin Grimm to take Harrison's spot in the rotation and he allowed two runs in four innings in a start against the Mariners on Thursday. He is scheduled to pitch again on Wednesday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Both of the Rangers' starting pitchers on Opening Day the past two years are on the disabled list. Colby Lewis, who had surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon on July 27, is still in Arizona on a throwing program. He is currently throwing batting practice and the next step is to pitch in an extended spring training game. The Rangers have not announced when that will be.