Tanner Scheppers getting an MRI, Nick Tepesch optioned

The Texas Rangers have made another roster move, optioning righthanded pitcher Nick Tepesch to AAA Round Rock.  Tepesch had been in the mix for a bullpen role, but after getting lit up yesterday, he will presumably start the season in the Express rotation.

In what is potentially a more significant announcement, the Rangers have indicated that righthanded reliever Tanner Scheppers is getting an MRI on his ankle.  He reported soreness in the ankle, which he sprained earlier this spring, on Saturday.  Scheppers has had a rough spring, performance-wise, and if he is having ankle issues, that could result in him starting the season on the disabled list.

Scheppers, Shawn Tolleson and Neftali Feliz are the three relievers who had jobs locked up when spring training started, but Tolleson is dealing with forearm soreness that has him behind.  The Rangers have a lot of nice young bullpen arms, though, and if Scheppers and Tolleson have to spend a brief amount of time on the d.l. to start the year, Texas at least can take a look at guys like Roman Mendez and Jon Edwards while they are on the mend.