Texas Rangers right-handed starting pitcher Colby Lewis is set to begin his minor league rehab assignment today when he pitches for the team's Triple-A affiliate, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
Sullivan notes that this will be Lewis' first appearance in a real game since he underwent surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow in July. The right-hander is once again healthy, and pitching coach Mike Maddux told reporters that he's looking for Lewis to build up his arm strength.
"He just needs to go out there and build up arm
strength," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said. "He's been deemed
healthy and the rehab has gone well, now it's time for the Spring Training
stretch. This is his Spring Training but it counts."
Lewis is scheduled to throw three innings and approximately 45 pitches today. He's expected to see his pitch and innings count increase by 15 throws and one frame each time he takes the mound. The Rangers are likely to consider activating him once he logs six innings and 90 pitches.
Lewis is one of the reasons the Rangers didn't panic earlier this season when projected No. 5 starter Martin Perez suffered his injury. Texas is content waiting on Lewis while relying on younger arms -- including Justin Grimm and Nick Tepesch -- considering the veteran's solid track record.
Prior to his injury, Lewis had been a fixture in the Rangers' rotation since 2010. Over the past three seasons in Texas, the 33-year-old owns a career ERA of 3.93 with a 3.39 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Follow @mlbinjurynews
Looking for fantasy baseball advice?
Original Story:
http://www.mlbinjurynews.com/2013/05/...
Original Story:
http://www.mlbinjurynews.com/2013/05/...
