Tepesch scratched with stiff back; Rios limited

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Right-handed pitcher Nick Tepesch was scratched from Tuesday's intrasquad game with some stiffness in his back. The Rangers don't expect it to be a serious problem, and Tepesch is listed as day to day.

"I played catch [Monday] and it felt all right," Tepesch said. "After talking to the coaches and trainers, we'll probably take the cautious route rather than push it and miss more time. It's nothing serious, I just want to protect myself. It kind of tightened up on me after I got done the other day, but I'm feeling better."

Outfielder Alex Rios remains limited with a sore big toe on his left foot, but he has resumed taking batting practice. Rios has been bothered by the problem for seven years as the result of playing regularly for the Blue Jays on the Rogers Centre artificial turf. The outfielder has had an injection to relieve the pain, and he hopes that will take care of the problem for an extended period of time.

Reliever Tanner Scheppers, who had also been experiencing some back issues, threw in the bullpen without problem on Monday, and he is scheduled to pitch live BP on Thursday.