Tuesday’s recap – Colby Lewis pitches intra-squad game

July 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Colby Lewis (48) pitches during the second inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports Texas Rangers spring training

The Texas Rangers continued to spring training workout and also played an intra-squad game.  One of the biggest stories from that was the return of Colby Lewis to the mound.

Lewis didn’t say on the mound very long, just one inning, but he only needed 11 pitches to finish it.   After the game, Lewis talked about his return and today’s performance.

"“I wasn’t nervous at all, just anxious to get out there and get the first one out of the way,” said Lewis, who threw eight of his pitches for strikes. “I want to go out there and win a job. I’m competing to win a job, plain and simple.” (Fox Sports – Anthony Andro)"

If getting out of the inning after a strike out and just 11 pitches doesn’t impress you, then you should know his fastball was up to 87-89 mile per hour.  Now that my not sound fast, but for a pitcher like Lewis, who has command and is able to move the ball, that speed is very effective.  Plus you have to consider, how many other pitchers who have had hip surgery and are able to do that.  Pretty sure that number is 0!

What do the coaches do during spring training?  Watch of course!  They are keeping a mindful eye on Lewis and other players.  They still have to lock down the starting rotation and the bullpen.

I said a while back to remain optimistic about the Texas Rangers, and you should continue to.  So far Lewis is looking good and Matt Harrison received a clean bill of health and will resume his activities in spring training soon. Along with Colby Lewis looking good today, with the absence of Geovany Soto managed to get some action today.  Anthony Andro managed to capture a picture.   Nicholas, who is known for power, managed to get a home run off of Neftali Feliz in the 5th off a 1-0 pitch.

Another big piece of news was that Ron Washington formally announced that Yu Darvish will be the Texas Rangers Opening day pitcher.  This doesn’t surprise anyone, he said it also back during the Texas Rangers Fan Fest.  Check out the Yu Darvish articles that we posted today here and here Today was also Player selfie day…and I really hate I just typed selfie, but the players did have fun with them.

One other note, Prince Fielder didn’t play today.  Which is only news, because he doesn’t miss games.  Nothing to else to report, he’s fine.  Just thought I’d add that.  Expect him to play Thursday.

See he’s fine.  Just working on his pose.

The Texas Rangers will play the Kansas City Royals on Thursday at 2:05 PM CT.