Tepesch playing catch, says elbow improving

ARLINGTON -- Right-hander Nick Tepesch hasn't progressed from playing catch, but he said he's feeling better. He threw from 90 feet Wednesday and said he's been playing catch "on and off" since he went on the 15-day disabled list July 7 with right elbow inflammation.

"I won't know until I get on a mound, but it's definitely feeling better," Tepesch said.

He's still unsure when he'll throw off a mound. The 24-year-old right-hander has thrown 252 1/3 innings over the past two seasons with the Rangers and in the Minor Leagues.

"Anytime you're on the disabled list, you want to get better quick, and get back out there as soon as possible, but you got to listen to your body," Tepesch said. "It's just one of those things where you got to give it time."

Tepesch, who has missed 21 games since the injury, is 4-6 with a 4.85 ERA in 16 starts for the Rangers this season. Since he went on the disabled list, the club has acquired Matt Garza and sent Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison on medical rehabilitation assignments.