Pitching trio taking next steps toward return to action

ARLINGTON -- Right-hander Joakim Soria, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, has a chance to come off the disabled list before the All-Star break. Rangers manager Ron Washington said the Rangers could call Soria up during their seven-game road trip to Baltimore and Detroit before the break.

Soria is scheduled to pitch in consecutive games for Triple-A Round Rock starting Sunday. He threw a shutout inning Friday, allowing one hit on 17 pitches. It's the only hit Soria has allowed in four rehab outings. Soria threw 13 strikes and struck out two in Friday's appearance.

Colby Lewis (right flexor pronator surgery) and Alexi Ogando (right biceps tendinitis) will both throw bullpen sessions on Sunday. Washington said both of their bullpen sessions went well Friday. Lewis will throw about 25 pitches, while Ogando will throw about 50 pitches. Ogando isn't likely to return before the All-Star break. Lewis aims to return by the end of July barring any setbacks.