Rangers announce changes to starting rotation for next two series

Arlington, Texas – The Texas Rangers announced this afternoon that the club is listing the following probable starters for its next two series:

AT LA OF ANAHEIM
Tues., June 29: RHP Scott Feldman
Wed., June 30: RHP Omar Beltre
Thurs., July 1: LHP C.J. Wilson

VS. CHICAGO-AL
Fri., July 2: RHP Colby Lewis
Sat., July 3: RHP Tommy Hunter
Sun., July 4: RHP Scott Feldman

Right-handed pitcher Omar Beltre is scheduled to be added to the 25-man roster for a start on Wednesday in Anaheim. A corresponding roster move will be made prior to that game. The revised rotation also allows two additional days of rest for right-hander Colby Lewis, who last pitched on Friday vs. Houston.

“Beltre has been throwing well for Oklahoma City (AAA), and we wanted to give him an opportunity when he’s going good,” said Rangers manager Ron Washington. “Colby has been big for us and we want to keep him strong the whole year. Giving him a little extra rest now should pay off down the road.”

Beltre, 28, has gone 0-5 with 2 saves and a 2.39 ERA (10 ER/37.2 IP) in 15 games/5 starts for Oklahoma City (AAA) this season. Opponents in the Pacific Coast League have batted .246 (33-134) with 18 walks and 44 strikeouts. In his 5 starts, Beltre is 0-2 despite a 1.25 ERA (3 ER/21.2 IP), .203 (15-74) opponents average, with just 7 walks against 24 strikeouts in those outings. He has held left-handed batters to a .218 (12-55) average this season, and has permitted just one home run all year, by Scott Thorman on May 3 at Omaha.

Prior to this season, Beltre had not pitched in the United States since 2004. He was on the 40-man roster restricted list from April 1, 2006, until being reinstated on Feb. 19, 2010 upon arrival at Rangers spring training camp in Arizona. Beltre had endured visa issues which did not allow him to enter the U.S. from 2005-09. In 2001 and 2002, he was rated among the Rangers’ top prospects by Baseball America. He was originally signed by Texas on March 1, 2000.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares