Texas Rangers: 5 Questions Heading Into The 2017 Season

When will Tyson Ross return, and what can he contribute?

One of the sleeper signings this off-season was the Rangers scooping up Tyson Ross. A former All-Star starter, but an injury knocked him out almost the entire 2016 season. Ross is recovering from thoracic outlet surgery, and his return is unknown.

The Rangers have a two-headed ace in Cole Hamels, and Yu Darvish. Then have average or below average starters following them. Adding Ross to the mix gives the rotation a little more life, and experience.

Ross is 32-53 3.64 ERA in 153 games (102 starts) and 633 strikeouts during his seven seasons with the San Diego Padres. An ace pitcher, but after surgery is he going to be the same guy he once was from 2015?

No one will know until Ross steps on the mound. The Rangers expect him to return around May or early June. They signed Ross to a small one-year $6 million deal, but his return is still unknown. The organization does not want to rush Ross, but is aiming for a May return.

This signing could potentially be huge for the Rangers rotation. Getting an ace pitcher for cheap on a one-year deal is a steal for them. The issue is that the organization has no idea when Ross will return, and how much he can contribute.

Many pitchers are put on inning limits and pitch counts once they return from surgery. This could be a sleeper win for the Rangers, or a huge bust. Nothing the Rangers can do, but wait and see, and hope Ross can return healthy.