Washington to pick his spots with struggling Ross

ANAHEIM -- In a little over three months, Rangers left-hander Robbie Ross has gone from one end of the spectrum to the other.

On June 1, Ross had a 0.37 ERA, the lowest among Major League relievers, but recent struggles culminating Wednesday with four runs allowed on four hits, the left-hander has an ERA of 3.21.

"I had confidence in him because of the way he had been throwing the ball, and I put him out there and it just didn't work," Rangers manager Ron Washington said.

Ross has allowed 19 earned runs in 34 games since June 1 and has had trouble retiring lefties, who are hitting .337 off him this season.

"Once he touches the rubber, he has to execute his pitches," Washington said. "That's all it is. His stuff is still good, his velocity is still there."

When asked how Ross' struggles will dictate the lefty's role in the bullpen, Washington didn't hold anything back.

"Won't use him," Washington said. "That's impactful enough."

Ross likely won't pitch in any high-leverage situations until he proves he can get outs.

"We are going to have to give him some chances out there against lefties, maybe in some situations where it doesn't matter the results," Washington said.