WASHINGTON -- Right-hander Tyson Ross is ready to make his first start for the Rangers. Manager Jeff Banister has not decided which game it will be, but Ross is done with the rehabilitation process.
"My expectations are if all things go well, his next start will be in the big leagues," Banister said. "What day that is, is undecided."
Ross rejoined the Rangers this weekend after he threw five innings and 86 pitches in his fourth start for Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. He allowed eight runs on 10 hits, walked one and struck out two.
The Rangers aren't concerned about the final line. It's all about being healthy and building the pitch count.
"I'm healthy and feeling good," Ross said. "I've had back-to-back outings where I got my pitch count up to around 100, woke up the next day refreshed and ready. I'm ready to go."
The club still wants to see how Ross does this week going through his workouts and bullpen sessions. But there is a good chance he could go into the rotation Saturday or Sunday. The Rangers are off Thursday, so that gives them so flexibility with their rotation.
"My feeling all along it that when he's ready, we'll get him out there," Banister said. "Logistically, we've got some things to work through."
Ross underwent shoulder surgery on Oct. 13 to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome. The Rangers signed him to a one-year deal with the understanding he would not be ready for Opening Day.
Hamels has strong session
Pitcher Cole Hamels, who is on the disabled list with a strained right oblique muscle, had a productive throwing session in the bullpen Saturday. He did so during the game with the Nationals in an arrangement that pitching coach Doug Brocail wanted to try.
Hamels threw 55 pitches spread over three innings. When Martin Perez was pitching for the Rangers, Hamels was throwing in the bullpen. He threw 25 pitches in the second inning, 15 in the third and 15 in the fourth. His next step will be live batting practice.
"Cole looked good … he looked really good," Brocail said.
Rangers beat
• Outfielder Carlos Gomez, on the disabled list with a strained right hamstring, was 1-for-3 with a walk for Round Rock against Oklahoma City on Saturday. He was used as the designated hitter. Gomez will DH again Sunday, take Monday off and then be re-evaluated on the possibility of playing in the outfield.
• Pitcher Tanner Scheppers threw two scoreless innings for Round Rock on Saturday. He struck out two and did not allow a hit or walk. He missed most of May with upper back spasms, but in five appearances since his return from the disabled list, Scheppers has allowed just one run on four hits, a walk and eight strikeouts.
• Banister on Adrian Beltre stealing a base Saturday even though he has a sprained left ankle: "He had the opportunity to steal second base, so he stole second base. They were playing behind him … giving him the base."
• Shortstop Hanser Alberto is experiencing more shoulder soreness and has been taken off medical rehab assignment at Round Rock. Alberto has been sidelined since the beginning of the season with pain in his right shoulder.