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Texas Ranger lefthanded starting pitcher Matt Harrison, who was put on the disabled list in April and underwent back surgery, has been shut down and will not return to the major leagues this season.
Harrison had been on a rehab assignment, and there had been some thought that he could return to the Ranger rotation by the end of August. However, his back weakness was resulting in Harrison overcompensating in his throwing motion, which led to elbow soreness, which led the Rangers to play it safe and put him on the shelf for the year.
Harrison was the Rangers' Opening Day starter, and was thought to be a solid #2 starter behind Yu Darvish for the 2013 season. Instead, it has been a lost season.
This, combined with Colby Lewis being shut down for the year, makes the addition of Matt Garza back in July a move that ended up being absolutely critical. I questioned adding Garza, believing Lewis and/or Harrison would be back before September, but now neither would be back at all. Without them, the Rangers need Garza for the pennant race and the playoffs.
In addition, Harrison being shut down means that, if the Rangers make the playoffs, either converted reliever Alexi Ogando or rookie Martin Perez would be in the playoff rotation.