Scheppers' return to bullpen appears imminent

ANAHEIM -- Reliever Tanner Scheppers was in the Rangers' clubhouse in Anaheim on Saturday, but the right-hander will not be activated until Sunday. Scheppers, who has been pitching at Triple-A Round Rock after returning from left knee inflammation, was set to work out before Saturday's game against the Angels and test his knee.

"That would be the plan," manager Jeff Banister said of activating Scheppers on Sunday. "It's how he feels and how he responds, really. As long as he feels good and there's no lingering effects."

The Rangers have been planning to call up Scheppers at some point in September, but with Keone Kela sent back to Texas with minor right elbow soreness on Thursday and Ross Ohlendorf dealing with soreness in the back of his right shoulder, Scheppers will likely be added to the active roster before the series finale against the Angels.

"Having another guy available to pitch for us is probably necessary," Banister said. "We want to make sure that we've got Tanner here through this timeframe and available to us."

Banister said he believed Ohlendorf, who was out Friday, would be available during Saturday's game. The Rangers expect Kela, who has been receiving treatment on his elbow, to rejoin the team on Monday in Seattle.

Worth noting

• Infielder Jurickson Profar was transferred to Double-A Frisco on Saturday to continue his rehab assignment after offseason right labrum (shoulder) surgery. The 22-year-old, who started at designated hitter for the RoughRiders on Saturday, had been DHing with Class A Hickory. Profar could be called up by the Rangers before the season ends, but Banister said Profar's promotion to Frisco is "just getting Jurickson moving and playing at another level."

• Catcher Robinson Chirinos (left shoulder strain) caught seven innings for Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. He got Saturday off and is scheduled to catch all nine innings on Sunday.