ANAHEIM -- Rangers manager Jeff Banister hoped Tyson Ross could manage his innings a bit smoother in his third start since being activated from his latest stint on the disabled list.
Ross never found his rhythm in Tuesday night's 10-1 loss to the Angels, though, and his night came to an end after 98 pitches through 3 2/3 innings while allowing three runs on seven hits with four walks.
The Rangers must now decide the next step for the 30-year-old right-hander as they fell to three games back of the Twins for second American League Wild Card spot. Ross has completed six innings in just one of his 10 starts this season
"We'll assess it, see where we're at," Banister said. "Obviously, we're in a situation where we've got to get some quality starts. That's where we're at, so we'll sit down, put our heads together and evaluate where we're at."
Ross threw 29 pitches in the first inning alone but was able to escape with only one run allowed. He stranded seven runners through the first three innings but a two-run, two-out double from Kole Calhoun chased him in the fourth.
"Physically, I felt good," said Ross, whose 7.04 ERA would be a career high for a season in which he's logged at least 10 starts."The velocity was up a tick and I had some good pitches but, unfortunately, it was surrounded by walks and the inability to finish those innings and give the team a chance."
The Rangers knew they were taking a bit of a gamble after signing Ross to a one-year deal in the offseason. He made just one start with the Padres last year, which came on Opening Day, and eventually had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery that sidelined him for the team's first 65 games this year.
Ross missed an additional 15 games due to a blister on his right index finger and was activated on Aug. 12.
"This is a guy that we felt like coming in would be able to overcome these things and get on a roll with his delivery and pitchability," Banister said. "We still feel like this is a guy who has dynamic stuff when the delivery and command are right."
While the Rangers assess Ross' future, they'll also have to navigate the final two games of the series with a depleted bullpen. The team needed four relievers to close out the 3-hour, 58-minute contest.
"There is some collateral damage going into the next few games but we have some guys who've been through this before," Banister said. "We've just got to manage a good start and turn it over to the backend of the bullpen."