Nick Tepesch to start the season on the disabled list

Texas Ranger righthanded pitcher Nick Tepesch, who was in the mix for a spot in the Opening Day rotation before being beaten out by Nick Martinez, was expected to be in the rotation for AAA Round Rock to start 2015.

However, after being diagnosed with elbow inflammation, Tepesch has been placed on the AAA disabled list, and is expected to miss about a month.  With Tepesch out, the Round Rock rotation will consist of Anthony Ranaudo, Luke Jackson, Chi Chi Gonzalez, Ross Wolf and Wandy Rodriguez.

Tepesch is someone who could have been in the mix for a call-up early in the season, should the Rangers need a spot starter at some point.  However, between the injury and his ineffectiveness this spring, he could be in a situation where he's finding himself being passed up by others in the organization.  Tepesch is someone who I think can be a viable contributor on a major league pitching staff, but he may be in a situation where the opportunity is going to have to come somewhere else.