Rangers scratch Harrison, Scheppers from throwing

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison was scratched from throwing batting practice on Tuesday because of some stiffness in his neck. Harrison said he woke up with the stiffness on Tuesday morning, and the club decided not to push him.

"I wanted to throw," Harrison said. "That's what I told them. But they didn't want to take any chances."

Harrison will likely try to throw batting practice on Thursday. He has been throwing for two months, and this is the first issue he has had. It would hardly be a concern except Harrison missed almost all of last season because of a herniated disk in his lower back. Harrison had two surgeries on his back and another on his right non-throwing shoulder.

Reliever Tanner Scheppers was also scratched due to back spasms. Scheppers, who will be given a chance to make the rotation this spring, also had back problems during Spring Training in 2011, when he was trying to make the rotation.