Tyson Ross returns to the rotation this week

Tyson Ross’s next start will be in the major leagues for the Texas Rangers, it was announced today, with the only question being when Ross will actually officially join the team and make his first start.

Ross was signed to a one year deal this offseason after missing all but one game of 2016 due to shoulder problems. Ross had Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery this offseason, and started the season on the d.l. as he recovered from that. Ross was expected to be back in May, but back issues slowed him somewhat. Ross also felt after his third rehab start that he needed more work, and thus had a fourth rehab appearance for Round Rock on Friday. Ross’s results were poor — he gave up 10 hits, including 3 home runs in the first inning, and struck out just two batters -- but he has pronounced himself ready to go.

The Ranger rotation currently consists of Yu Darvish, Martin Perez, Andrew Cashner, and some combination of Dillon Gee, Austin Bibens-Dirkx and Nick Martinez. After Bibens-Dirkx’s two solid spot starts, it seems likely he will stay in the rotation for the time being, with Gee and Martinez being relegated to bullpen roles.

The Rangers have an off day on Thursday, which gives the team flexibility in terms of when they activate Ross. If they activate him Wednesday, when he would be pitching on normal rest, he’d be facing the Astros, and it would give Perez and Cashner two days extra rest. Alternatively, Ross could be activated and slotted into the rotation at some point in this weekend’s series at home against Seattle.

How long Ross remains a Ranger remains to be seen, as the team is currently below .500 and pretty much out of the A.L. West race. Ross could end up spending the next month auditioning for a trade, should the Rangers decide in July they are in sell mode.

Ross is currently on the 60 day d.l., but the Rangers’ 40 man roster is currently at 39 so no 40 man move would be necessary to active him. Jurickson Profar, called up to give the Rangers an extra bat for the series in Washington, would seem the most likely candidate to be sent down to clear a spot for Ross on the 25 man roster.