Ross throws bullpen session, nears game action
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher Tyson Ross is ready to start a serious Spring Training.Ross threw another bullpen session on Sunday without any issues, and he is now ready to take the next step. Ross will start throwing to hitters in batting practice this week, with his first session scheduled
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher
Ross threw another bullpen session on Sunday without any issues, and he is now ready to take the next step. Ross will start throwing to hitters in batting practice this week, with his first session scheduled for Wednesday.
That's what pitchers do in the first week of Spring Training, so Ross is looking at a six-to-eight week buildup before he is pitching in the Majors.
"I'm thrilled where I am," said Ross, who signed a one-year deal with the Rangers in the offseason. "On Jan. 1, I wasn't able to touch a baseball. Here it is in March, and I'm throwing off the mound and feeling good."
Ross had surgery on Oct. 13 to relieve Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, and he has been careful not to push too hard or look too far ahead. The hope is he will be ready to join the Rangers' rotation by late May or early June.
"I'm being realistic," Ross said. "It's early in Spring Training for me. I'm where guys were a few weeks ago. But where I am from the first day of Spring Training, I have made big strides."
Rangers expect Perez to be ready
The Rangers expect Perez to reach 90 pitches before his first start.
"We talked to [Team Venezuela] about keeping it to three innings and 45-to-50 pitches," manager Jeff Banister said. "He'll still be on pace to be right where he needs to be."
Worth noting
• Starter
• Infielder
• Along with Perez, the Rangers expect third baseman
T.R. Sullivan has covered the Rangers since 1989, and for MLB.com since 2006. Follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger and listen to his podcast.