Scheppers, Ogando better

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers lost to the Athletics on Tuesday, but there were still two positive developments inside the bullpen. Tanner Scheppers is healthy again and Alexi Ogando showed he had regained his effectiveness.

Ogando pitched two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out three. Ogando had a 7.71 ERA in his seven previous appearances while dealing with some soreness in his right bicep.

Ogando was supposed to pitch just the eighth inning in a tie game. But with Joe Nathan and Mike Adams needing a night off, Ogando volunteered to pitch the ninth as well.

"He kept his fastball down and threw a pretty good breaking ball," manager Ron Washington said. "When he gets in trouble is when he elevates his fastball in the zone. Last night, the fastball is down. It was certainly nice to see him give us multiple innings, which he usually does. He was fired up, especially after the first inning."

Scheppers only faced one batter, needing seven pitches to get Brandon Moss to pop out to end the 10th inning. But it was his first appearance since suffering a bruised right knee in a home-plate collision against the Angels on Sept. 18.

"I'm just happy to be out there again," Scheppers said. "Sitting around and watching is not fun. But everything felt great."

Washington said he was reluctant to use Scheppers in a tight spot until he knew how the knee would respond.

"He threw without issue, so I have no issues in using him," Washington said.