Daniels hopes to get Tepesch back in early September

ARLINGTON -- Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Tuesday he's hopeful to get right-hander Nick Tepesch back around early September, but Tepesch doesn't have a timeline set on when he expects to return.

"I'm just trying to get on the mound again right now," Tepesch said.

Tepesch started throwing from 120 feet a week ago, and he said his arm feels good. He was placed on the disabled list on July 7 with right elbow inflammation.

If he can return, Tepesch would be a possible backup starting rotation option for the Rangers with the losses of Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis this month. The club acquired left-handed pitcher Travis Blackley from the Astros as another possible option when the rosters expand in September.

"[Blackley's] been a big league starter, and he's had some success," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He's certainly had some success against us. The way our starting pitchers have been dropping, we were very lucky to get a guy like that. Hopefully, he can pay dividends for us."