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 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
Martin Perez is returning to the Rangers, after making two starts for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. Perez threw 49 pitches over 2 2/3 innings against Puerto Rico on Saturday, and he has time for two more starts for the Rangers before the regular season begins.
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 Andrew Cashner threw a bullpen session on Sunday, and he could be ready for either a batting practice session or a simulated game later this week. He has not faced hitters since being shut down at the beginning of the month with pain in his right biceps tendon.
• Infielder Hanser Alberto, who hasn't played since March 12 because of a sore right shoulder, has resumed his throwing program and could be back in a game in the next few days.
• Along with Perez, the Rangers expect third baseman Adrian Beltre, catcher Robinson Chirinos and second baseman Rougned Odor to be back from the World Baseball Classic on Monday.