Rangers' Ross nearing return to MLB mound

June 4th, 2017
Tyson Ross pitched for Triple-A Round Rock on Saturday, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing two runs. (MiLB)

ARLINGTON -- Rangers pitcher said he feels good coming out of Saturday's rehab start for Triple-A Round Rock, but manager Jeff Banister said no decision has been made yet on where the right-hander will pitch next.
There is a possibility Ross could make his first start for the Rangers next weekend against the Nationals.
"It comes down to how he feels the next few days, going through the progession and his overall health," Banister said.
Ross went 5 1/3 innings and allowed two runs on five hits Saturday. He walked four, struck out two and made an adjustment during the game that allowed him to retire nine of the last 10 batters he faced. He finished at 93 pitches.
"It was good," Ross said. "Another outing building up pitches, I woke up feeling good and no soreness, another step in the right direction. I am happy to keep taking the ball every fifth day and get better and better, whether it's another start on a rehab assignment or in a big league game."
Ross has been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season while recovering from offseason surgery on his right shoulder for thoracic outlet syndrome. Saturday was his third start for Round Rock.
Cole Hamels and , also on the disabled list, are waiting for their next assignment after productive throwing sessions on Sunday.
Hamels, on the disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle, threw 21 pitches off a mound in the bullpen. It was his first mound session since going on the disabled list on May 30.
"It looked good. … It looked normal," pitching coach Doug Brocail said.
Brocail said the Rangers will wait to see how Hamels recovers from the session and then come up with a more specific throwing program going forward.
Alvarez, who has been out since May 26 with a strained left elbow, threw 26 pitches in a bullpen session. The Rangers will decide later this week if he is ready to be activated or needs a rehab assignment.
Rangers beat 
, who entered Sunday's game with two hits in his last 18 at-bats, was dropped to No. 7 in the batting order against Astros right-hander Brad Peacock. Odor hit fifth in 22 of the Rangers' past 23 games before Sunday.
, on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, had a full workout on the field before Sunday's game, including some sprinting. Gomez will test the injury later this week to see if he is able to run the bases full speed and move laterally without issue. If he is able to do so, he could go on a medical rehabilitation assignment.
turns 33 on Monday.