Shoulder lands Ogando back on disabled list

By T.R. Sullivan

August 20, 2013

ARLINGTON -- Rangers pitcher Alexi Ogando is back on the disabled list with inflammation around a nerve in his right shoulder. The Rangers determined Ogando will miss more than one start and placed him on the DL on Tuesday to make room for pitcher Travis Blackley.

"It's nerve irritation that's been treated with an injection and oral medication," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "He has had some response, but not enough to be ready to throw. If it was one start, we might play with the roster, but it will be a minimum of two starts, so we felt, let's get it knocked out and see where it is. That basically gets us to September."

Ogando last pitched on Aug. 13, so he is eligible to come off the disabled list on Aug. 29. Blackley started on Tuesday night against the Astros and is scheduled to pitch again on Monday against the Mariners. Blackley's spot in the rotation would come up again on Sept. 1, and the Rangers are hoping Ogando could be ready by then.

This is the third time Ogando has been on the disabled list this season and the second time because of a shoulder problem. He was sidelined from May 16 to June 5 because of biceps tendinitis and June 6 to July 23 with shoulder inflammation. The Rangers don't believe the injuries are related.

"Of course, I'm disappointed," Ogando said. "Nobody wants to be on the disabled list. You want to compete and help the team."

Blackley was called up from Triple A Round Rock after being acquired from the Astros last week. Daniels acknowledged the Rangers have looked for a more established starter on the trade market, but nothing has materialized. Erik Bedard of the Astros and Dan Haren of the Nationals are among the pitchers that have reportedly cleared waivers.

"I am comfortable with what we've got," Daniels said. "You are always looking around, but I don't anticipate anything. A few guys have cleared waivers, but I'm not sure about the guys that are available and that we're interested in are at the right price. We like our team."

T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger.