Another rehab start for Tyson Ross

Texas Rangers righthanded starting pitcher Tyson Ross has been on the disabled list all season, but after his last rehab start on Saturday, there was some thought that he could be activated to start for Texas against the Washington Nationals this weekend.

However, per various beat folks on Twitter, Jon Daniels said today on the Ben & Skin show that Ross will make another rehab start before being activated. The Rangers currently have starting pitchers Cole Hamels and A.J. Griffin on the d.l. along with Ross, and are likely going to be using Austin Bibens-Dirkx or Dillon Gee to start on Tuesday.

Given that there are off days today and Thursday for Texas, if Ross has a rehab start on June 8, they could skip the fifth starter spot until June 13 in Houston and then have Ross move into the rotation then. That would give the Rangers a month or so to have Ross in the rotation before they are in a position to decide whether they are in the playoff hunt or they are in sell mode. Ross, who is on a one year deal, would be a likely candidate to be shopped, should the Rangers decide to sell.

Daniels also said that they have gotten offers on in-limbo reliever Sam Dyson, who was designated for assignment, and should make a decision in the next couple of days.

Finally, Daniels said that Mike Napoli has not had improvement with his sore back. Napoli left Saturday’s game with the back issue, and could be headed to the 10 day d.l. if he’s not ready to play tomorrow. Drew Robinson and Brett Nicholas would seem to be the most likely candidates to be called up to replace Napoli.