Results tagged ‘ A.J. Pierzynski ’
Taking another look at Colby’s rehab start
Colby Lewis made his first rehab start after being shutdown with triceps tendinitis on Monday in Frisco. Lewis makes his second rehab start tonight at 6:05 CT, but it will be with Triple-A Round Rock in Memphis.
Today seemed like a good day to reminiscence on what was a special day here at Dr Pepper Ballpark. The RoughRiders have been fortunate to see a number of rehabbers come through from the Rangers in their 10+ year history, but it is not too often that a man who started and won World Series games dons the ‘Riders uni. In fact, only once (I believe) has Frisco had a rehabber pitch for them who had started a game in the Fall Classic: Kevin Millwood rehabbed for Frisco in 2007 and 2008–and he lost (game two of the 1999 Series while a member of the Braves). Roy Oswalt started a game in the 2005 World Series in Houston, but he was technically not a rehabber during his time in Frisco in 2012.
Here are some photos to commemorate the day:
Lewis wore #46. He is #48 with the Rangers. Note A.J. Pierzysnki played in this game, although he did not catch Lewis.
The results? A mixed bag. Not great. The rehabber went 2.1 innings and allowed two runs on four hits. Lewis set down the first six men he faced, three on strikes, before running into issues in the third inning.
MiLB posted a clip of Lewis striking out Kalian Sams who, earlier in the series, obliterated a baseball seemingly into thin air to deep left. You can watch that strikeout highlight here.
After the start, Lewis was somewhat discouraged talking to the media. He was not pleased with his velocity, which sat 85-86 mph and topped out at 87. What was expected to be the first of three to four rehab starts, now seems was the first of a somewhat indefinite number, as Lewis said he would tell the Rangers when he was ready.
Lewis said that it felt like he has been on a roller coaster during this rehab from a torn flexor tendon which cost him the second half of 2012 and all of this season thus far.
Well, the next ride is tonight. Happy viewing, twitter following, and post-game reading to you all tonight, as we see if that roller coaster rides high tonight in Memphis.
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Looking forward to tonight’s RoughRiders game at 7:05 pm? The game notes are here!
We also would like to wish a Happy Birthday to Neil Ramirez. The right-hander’s last start came on Sunday with Pierzynski behind the plate AND he is starting tonight! Fitting.
Bonus Photo (AJ catching Neal) on Sunday:
- Nathan
Baseball term of the day: home run in an elevator shaft – pop fly
Photo credits to: Grant Nelson, Nathan Barnett and Ryan Garrett
‘Riders Rehabbers: Colby Lewis & A.J. Pierzynski
Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis will start for the RoughRiders this morning against the San Antonio Missions. Lewis is currently on the Rangers’ 15-day disabled list and is working to return to the major leagues after suffering a torn flexor tendon in his right elbow last season.
The Rangers’ 2012 Opening Day starting pitcher suffered a tear in his right elbow last July and attempted to pitch through the injury before exacerbating it in his final start of the season on July 18 in Oakland. The right-hander was 6-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 16 starts for Texas before going on the disabled list.
Lewis made one rehab start this season with the Round Rock Express on May 9, but suffered from triceps tendonitis after the outing and the Rangers temporarily shut down his assignment.
Rangers’ catcher A.J. Pierzynski will be the designated hitter today as he continues his rehab assignment with the RoughRiders suffering from a strained right oblique muscle. Though he won’t be catching for Lewis, it will be great to see two future Rangers battery mates in RoughRiders uniforms. This is the first time either player has appeared with the ‘Riders.
Pierzynski made an appearance in yesterday’s RoughRiders game against the Missions, playing through five innings. He threw out two attempted steals and was 0-3 at the plate. In his first season with the Rangers, the catcher has played in 26 games and is batting .263 with four home runs, a triple, 11 RBI and nine runs scored. The two-time All-Star is in his 16th Major League season and signed a one-year contract with Texas this past off-season following an eight-year stint with the White Sox.
Baseball Term of the Day: Screecher: A hard hit line drive
-Ryan
Rangers Links (Don’t Panic Edition)
It’s a little too early to start feeling like this about the Rangers’ spring training.
Repeat after me: the games don’t count. It’s reassuring to remind yourself of that every time you see results like yesterday. Or the day before. Or any of these spring training games. It’s only natural to have at least a small amount of concern that the Rangers have yet to put anything other than a bagel in the “W” column, especially given that wins were a rarity over the final few weeks of last season.
(By the way, did you notice the only other team that has yet to post a spring training victory? They play their regular season home games at Angel Stadium of Anaheim, to give you a hint.)
To get worked up over early spring training results is a quixotic endeavor, given the relative rust on the players and the individual tasks they set for themselves that may give way to garish performances. A pitcher’s goal in a spring training game may simply be to throw his fastball for strikes, results be damned. Maybe a hitter is working on a new aspect to his swing. Maybe a player simply isn’t ready for the season at this point in late February. I don’t have problems with any of that. When spring training is over and the battles for the number five starter, utility infielder and regular centerfielder are over, I’m willing to bet (like many others) that the Rangers will have a unit that will be very competitive for a playoff spot in the American League West. Until then, practice your anti-Kevin McCallister face.
Rangers’ Ron Washington says prospect Mike Olt trying too hard – Gerry Fraley has the Rangers skipper saying Mike Olt should not put so much pressure on himself to perform.
Hamilton on Michael Young & the Rangers - It seems like everyone has an opinion on how things went/ended with Michael Young on the Rangers, including Josh Hamilton.
Despite villainous reputation, Rangers’ A.J. Pierzynski a winner, ex-mates say – Fraley writes about the Rangers’ new catcher, who won a World Series with Chicago in 2005 (subscribers only).
Alexi Ogando’s continuing struggles could throw wrench in rotation plans – With most of the focus on the Rangers’ fifth starter competition, everyone is kind of assuming Ogando will step in and be the guy he was a few years ago as a starter. Might not work out quite so smooth, based on early returns.
Rangers not about to ignore Ogando’s early struggles – Just because the results don’t count doesn’t mean that Ron Washington is paying no attention to Ogando’s troubles, writes Drew Davison.
Rangers’ survivors say change is good – Randy Galloway says that the holdovers from a tumultuous off-season are still confident that this club can win a World Series.
Leonys Martin staking claim to CF job – A trio of stories today from Ron Matejko, who is filling in for new ESPN Radio host Richard Durrett. The first has Leonys Martin starting to emerge as a favorite for a more regular role with the Rangers.
Alexi Ogando still working out some kinks – Ogando and Washington talk about the right-hander’s struggles.
Robbie Ross aiming for last rotation spot – The 2011 RoughRider talks about his desire to join the Rangers’ rotation.
Burns stepping forward in Rangers’ bullpen – T.R. Sullivan has Washington giving some kind words to bullpen-hopeful Corey Burns.
Berkman ready for first Cactus League action – Sullivan’s notes column touches on Lance Berkman’s expected spring debut this afternoon, Ogando and injury updates for Engel Beltre & Craig Gentry.
- Alex
Rangers Spring Training Links – 2/27/2013
Things haven’t been too graceful for Geovanny Soto and the Rangers this spring. (Photo credit to Louis Deluca/Dallas Morning News)
Yesterday the White Sox jumped out to a 12-0 lead and beat up the Rangers 14-8 to drop Texas to 0-4 in Cactus League play. The good news? These games (of course) don’t count for much of anything and, by all accounts, Yu Darvish looked fantastic in his two innings of work. As for 2012 RoughRiders pitcher Cody Buckel? He had a tough afternoon, throwing just 10 of his 31 pitches for strikes and yielding six runs (four earned) with five walks while retiring just one batter. Here are today’s links:
Why veteran Jeff Baker could have edge on Mike Olt for spot on Texas Rangers’ bench – Evan Grant says the journeyman’s experience riding the pine might end up getting him a big league job.
Texas Rangers roster predictions, V2.0 – From a couple days ago, but worth a look as Grant handicaps the 25-man roster.
Same old Josh? Ex-Ranger Hamilton swings at first pitch, goes 0-for-3 in Angels debut – If you’re interested, Josh Hamilton did not set the world on fire in his first game of the spring with Los Angels.
With year under his belt, Texas Rangers’ Darvish already looking like Yu 2.0 – For subscribers only, Gerry Fraley thought highly of the Japanese right-hander’s debut outing.
Cody Buckel survives – Jeff Wilson reports that, despite yesterday’s flameout, Cody Buckel was not incinerated from planet Earth altogether. He also notes that Engel Beltre might not be playing for Spain in the WBC after all.
Rangers catcher feels nothing (yet) vs. old team – Wilson writes about A.J. Pierzynski facing the White Sox for the first time as a Ranger yesterday.
Yu Darvish impresses in spring debut – Another glowing report on Darvish, this time from Ron Matejko.
Darvish off to strong start in second spring – Matt Mosley writes that things are bit calmer this spring for the now more seasoned Darvish.
Plenty of arms to choose from for Rangers – Needing to almost completely rebuilt their bullpen, Anthony Andros says that the Rangers have a diverse group of options available to fill out the open spots.
Rangers prepared to round out rotation in house – Don’t look for Kyle Lohse to come walking through that door, writes T.R. Sullivan.
Berkman may make Rangers debut Thursday – Sullivan has injury updates on Lance Berkman, Colby Lewis and the two Beltres, Adrian and Engel.
- Alex
