Joe Saunders go on the DL

Mar 11, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers pitcher Joe Saunders (47) throws in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Joe Saunders has been placed on the 15 day disabled list, retroactive to Saturday, several sources are reporting.

Joe Saunders was not exactly pitching lights out on Friday night before taking a line drive off the outside of his foot. In fact, the Texas Rangers lost the game 8-1, and Joe Saunders was responsible for five of those runs. He posted an ERA of 9.82. Joe Saunders had a bad spring training, but we were all told that he would be fine once the season came along because he was a veteran that knew how to get the job done. One game does not a season make, but sometimes spring training mixed with one game can tell you that a guy just does not have the same stuff that he used to have in his younger days.

Joe Saunders is not the same pitcher, but  I also believe that he is not as bad as he showed on Friday night. When he comes off the DL, however, there may not be a rotation spot left for him if Colby Lewis gets called up and pitches well at all, or if Tanner Scheppers comes out tonight and pitches well. We will see what the next few weeks holds for Joe Saunders. The Texas Rangers have recalled RHP Daniel McCutchen to replace him on the roster right now.