Tanner Scheppers and Alexi Ogando Pitching Roles Decided by Texas Rangers

Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY

Sports

SURPRISE, Ariz – The Texas Rangers made two definitive pitching decisions today.
Tanner Scheppers is in the rotation and Alexi Ogando is in the bullpen.

There have been many speculations on who should be in the Texas Rangers starting
rotation with Derek Holland on the disabled list and Matt Harrison not expected to be
back until late April at the earliest. Alexi Ogando has stated that he wanted to be in
the starting rotation and Tanner Scheppers has said

"that I’ll just be happy to be part of the team, Scheppers said.” – (JeffWilson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram)"

Alexi Ogando, entering his age 30 season, has struggled in his four Spring Training
game starts. With a 1-2 record and 6.35 ERA Ogando has given up 20 hits and 14
runs, eight of which were earned. Manager Ron Washington was asked about Alexi
Ogando’s last outing he said that

"Errors are part of the game, manager Ron Washington said. I’m notsaying he’s using that as an excuse. The game got away from him.” – (Jeff Wilson,Fort Worth Star-Telegram)"

Tanner Scheppers had a great 2013 season in the setup spot for the Texas Rangers.
It was believed that Joe Nathan was mentoring him to be a closer; however,
Scheppers has now won a starter position. Scheppers really impressed Texas Rangers
manager Ron Washington after his start on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers

"He showed me some stamina, Rangers manager Ron Washington said. Iknow he can throw, but he also had stamina. He was comfortable with his fastball andhe got outs with his other stuff, too.” – (Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News)"

Tanner Scheppers has three game starts and pitched 14.2 innings. Scheppers has only
given up 11 hits with 5 earned runs. In his three outings Scheppers has 14 strikeouts,
six of those were in Friday’s game.

So, with Alexi Ogando going to the bullpen and Tanner Scheppers earning his place in
the Texas Rangers starting rotation there are two spots in the rotation to fill. There
are still four players who want one of those two slots: Robbie Ross, Tommy Hanson,
Joe Saunders and Colby Lewis. With Opening Day just 9 days away the final two
should be named soon.

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