PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Lance Lynn has a suggestion for clubs who want their pitchers to be ready to go for the regular season.

“If you want guys to have success," Lynn said, "sign them and get them into camp.”

The Rangers' right-hander was signed last year as a free agent by the Twins in the middle of Spring Training and began the regular season 1-4 with a 7.47 ERA in his first eight starts. This past offseason, the Rangers worked out a three-year deal with Lynn in December, and the difference is growing more noticeable by the day.

Lynn may have gone two batters too long on Tuesday, but his first five innings were terrific against the Brewers' likely Opening Day lineup. Lynn was scoreless through five innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out nine.

“He feels good,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said. “His fastball has a bunch of life to it. His command has been good. When he’s really good, he is attacking hitters. He has been working hard on that and had a lot of success.”

Lynn went back out for the sixth inning and allowed two Brewers he faced to reach base, hitting Ryan Braun with a pitch and giving up a single to Travis Shaw. Right-hander Jordan Romano took over, and two runs scored on a passed ball by catcher Jett Bandy and a double by Jesus Aguilar.

The Rangers haven’t decided if Lynn will pitch the second or third game of the regular season. They may insert Edinson Volquez between Opening Day starter Mike Minor and Lynn.

Lynn doesn’t care. With a full Spring Training behind him, he is ready to be an “old school” workhorse again.

“That’s why I am here,” Lynn said. “I take the ball every five days and give you as many innings and pitches as I’ve got. I take pride in taking the ball. I don’t care about pitch counts, I am trying to get outs and help the team win. If you have five guys who can do that and have that mentality, we are going to have a chance.”

Rangers players laud Trout deal
The Rangers have seen more than enough of Mike Trout over the past eight seasons and were hardly surprised by the news that he was on the verge of signing a record-breaking contract worth more than $400 million over 12 years.

"If there is somebody who deserves it and has earned it, it's him,” shortstop Elvis Andrus said. “He is the only one everybody will say, 'He deserves it.' Anyone who comments in a negative way doesn't know baseball."

In addition to winning two American League Most Valuable Player Awards and being a seven-time All-Star, Trout has a career .332 batting average against the Rangers with a .458 on-base and a .590 slugging percentage. His 1.048 OPS against them is the third highest ever by an opponent with at least 100 games played.

“He deserves it,” Joey Gallo said. “If anybody deserves it, it’s him. You always like to see guys get paid what they are worth. It’s great for him and it’s great for the game.”

Volquez, Jurado pitch in Surprise
Volquez did his work back in camp on Tuesday, pitching for the Rangers' Triple-A squad against the Royals' Triple-A team. Volquez went four-plus innings, allowing four runs (three earned) while throwing 77 pitches. He allowed four hits, one walk and struck out eight. The veteran right-hander will have one more start before the regular season begins.

Ariel Jurado also pitched in that game and has been convincing in showing he is not Major League ready. Jurado went 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs on 11 hits, including four home runs. He threw 78 pitches. Jurado had a 7.50 ERA in three Cactus League experiences and is expected to start the season at Triple-A Nashville.

Rangers beat
• The Rangers appear resigned to the possibility they will not be able to keep Romano, who is a Rule 5 pick. The right-hander is talented but the results have been mixed this spring.

“He has been good at times, and he hasn’t been great at times,” Woodward said. “Kind of in-between. Sometimes you see glimpses of the stuff playing up. Just trying to see the consistency of the upside. … He has shown that some times, but it hasn’t been consistent.”

• Gallo, sidelined with a strained right groin, spent part of Tuesday morning running on a treadmill in a swimming pool inside the Rangers' clubhouse. He also took batting practice. Gallo continues to show improvement and is hoping to be back in a game on Sunday against Texas' Triple-A cin Nashville.

• Hunter Pence stole his sixth base of the spring on Tuesday. He hasn’t stolen more than five in a regular season since finishing with 13 in 2014. His career high is 22 in 2013.

Up next
Right-hander Adrian Sampson pitches against the Reds at 3:05 p.m. CT on Wednesday in Surprise, Ariz. Sampson has allowed two earned runs in nine innings and struck out nine this spring. Opponents are hitting .229 off him. The game can be seen live on MLB.TV and FOX Sports Southwest.