Texas Rangers Get Good News From Mini-Camp

Jeff Wilson (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) sent out a series of tweets this afternoon from Texas Rangers mini-camp. His Twitter reports are good news for Rangers fans.

After Jurickson Profar‘s MRI came back clean he received the “All Clear” to begin a throwing program last week. On Tuesday he threw at 45 feet. This is good news for the 21-year old, who missed all of 2014 with recurring shoulder injury. Especially since Profar is doing all he can to avoid surgery. Still, he isn’t expected to break camp with the big-leaguers, but instead start the season at Triple-A Round Rock Express.

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Matt Harrison began his throwing program on January 7, throwing from 30 and 45 feet for a total of 65 throws. Jeff Wilson said Harrison is now throwing from up to 75 feet, but will not throw off the mound until mid-March. Still, this is by far more than encouraging news. After Harrison’s back surgery I am amazed that he is already throwing, although I’m sure Matt Harrison thinks otherwise.

Yu Darvish missed the last few weeks of the season due to elbow inflammation thew some long toss today in Arlington. He is expected to throw off the mound on February 2.

Also reported is right-hander Yovani Gallardo expects to throw off the mound next week for the first time this offseason.

But the information I found most interesting from Jeff Wilson’s Twitter reports?

"Mike Maddux says No. 5 rotation spot is open. Ross Detwiler, Nick Tepesch top candidates.”"

Simply because I expected Nick Martinez included in the “top candidates” list going into Spring Training. Martinez proved to keep his cool under immense pressure last season, but then again, he seems to pitch well out of the bullpen, too.

I don’t know about you, but hearing all of this Texas Rangers baseball news is making me antsy for Spring Training to start. Luckily, we don’t have much longer to wait.

ONLY 41 DAYS UNTIL THE RANGERS PLAY THEIR FIRST SPRING TRAINING GAME!

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