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Joakim Soria, who has spent the entire 2013 season on the disabled list while recovering from April, 2012, Tommy John surgery, has been on a rehab assignment in the minor leagues since June 20.
He's had seven appearances of one inning apiece, pitching twice in the Arizona Rookie League, four times for Frisco, and once for Round Rock. He's faced 22 batters, allowed one hit, no walks, no runs, and has struck out eight.
After back-to-back appearances for Frisco on Wednesday and Thursday, there was some thought that Soria would be activated for today's game against the Astros. But the Rangers have decided not to activate him yet, and Soria's status remains in limbo, although presumably, if they aren't ready to activate him, he'll have at least one more rehab appearance.
We've been waiting eagerly for the return of Soria, who was one of the best relievers in baseball from 2007-2010 while pitching for the Royals. The Rangers have ridden setup men Robbie Ross, Tanner Scheppers and Neal Cotts hard in the first half of the season, and while they have all been stellar, they've also shown signs of mortality of late, and Soria's presence would give Ron Washington another experienced arm he could turn to in close games.
Soria's return, whenever it may be, will mean either Josh Lindblom or Ross Wolf will be dropped from the active roster.