Tanner Scheppers on the DL – my thoughts

Apr 17, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Tanner Scheppers (52) on the mound in the first inning of the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Questions about if Tanner Scheppers will make his next start have been answered.  The Texas Rangers announced today that they are placing him on the 15-day disabled list.  Scheppers is reportedly suffering from inflammation in his right elbow and forearm.

He had an MRI done today which showed no structural damage.  That is good news for the Tanner Scheppers and the Rangers, but he will not do any throwing for ten days, meaning he’ll miss at least 3-4 starts.

Jon Daniels commented on the MRI results

"“Given the situation, this was relatively good news,” Daniels said. “There was nothing to indicate a major issue for [team physician] Dr. [Keith] Meister.” (Dallas News – Evan Grant)"

Some have questioned via Twitter if he is really injured.  If Scheppers says he’s injured, hurting, in pain or what ever, then I’m going to believe him.

One thing seems evident, Scheppers, if he didn’t, should have addressed this issues and concerns with Ron Washington and the Rangers.  Being a starting pitcher is more demanding than a reliever.  Going out there and hurling around 100 pitches in the mid-90s is no easy task.

Another thing, the timing is bad.  After another bad outing and the upcoming Oakland series does make it a bit suspect, but again I’m siding with Scheppers.  It was already unlikely he would start that game anyways.

In my opinion, this also means he is done as a starter and will be sent to the bullpen.  The time he will be out will give Matt Harrison plenty of time to return to the rotation.

The Texas Rangers have called up LHP Aaron Poreda, but if you read my article earlier today then you shouldn’t be surprised if Nick Martinez is called up and pitches next week against the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday.