ARLINGTON, Texas — Injuries have left the Texas Rangers’ pitching situation a mess. All but one pitcher initially slated to be in the rotation have been scratched to start the season. Two relievers from 2013, including left-hander Robbie Ross, who will start on Wednesday, are in the rotation to start the season.
Righty Yu Darvish (neck) is expected back as soon as possibly this weekend and righty Colby Lewis (hip) and left-hander Matt Harrison (back) to follow soon after with lefty Derek Holland no earlier than June.
What that does to the bullpen, which faltered on Opening Day, when everybody returns no one is certain. But manager Ron Washington had a message for any reliever wondering about their future.
Don’t. Just do your job.
“We’re here to play baseball and win games,” said Washington, whose team defeated the Phillies 3-2 Tuesday. “When your number is called, you go out there and do the best you can. If you’re unsettled because things are unsettled, then when the unsettling is over, you need to walk.
“You better not look unsettled around here.”
The lefty Ross will make his first major-league start on Wednesday against Philadelphia, and first-ever appearance against the Phillies.
Ross earned a place in the rotation after going 1-0 with a 2.86 ERA in six games and three starts this spring. Washington said Ross’ place was secured when he showed he could get left-handers out, a problem he had in the latter part of last season.
“He was able to keep (fastball) inside on lefties and his breaking ball to run more to the outside corner instead of the middle of the plate,” Washington said. “He was executing pitches, making pitches in the spring. And I think that’s what it will take to be a starter: make pitches.”