Texas Rangers Likely to Lose Alexi Ogando to Strained Groin

Part of the fun for fans watching interleague series games is getting to see things they normally wouldn’t.  For example, American League pitchers racing down the baseline is not something fans always get to see.  In San Francisco, the Rangers’ Alexi Ogando injured himself doing just that.

According to Eric Gilmore of the Dallas Daily News, Ogando strained his groin while trying to beat out a bunt in the top of the fourth inning.  The Rangers have not yet placed Ogando on the disabled list, and he will be evaluated by doctors, but it is unlikely he will make his next scheduled start on Saturday.

The Rangers had been the league’s healthiest team until they lost Neftali Feliz to elbow inflammation on May 21st and Derek Holland to shoulder fatigue just a few days ago.  Now, Texas is at risk of losing a third starter to the disabled list.

Ogando had moved into the rotation and made his first start of the year yesterday after Derek Holland went to the disabled list.  He started 29 games last season, but he was used out of the bullpen this year.  So far this year, Ogando has pitched 34 2/3 innings and has an ERA of 2.08.  He had tossed three scoreless innings in yesterday’s game before the injury.  Last year, Ogando went 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA for the Rangers.

Ogando was asked about the injury after the game and said, “Right now, it feels pretty bad.”

He will be evaluated today, and we should get word on whether the Rangers will put him on the disabled list.  There has not yet been a decision made about who will replace Ogando in the rotation should he miss his start Saturday or be placed on the disabled list, but Ron Washington said the team has “contingencies” in place.

The Rangers still have Roy Oswalt making tune up starts, but he could be an option if Ogando has to miss any extended period of time.

For more on the Rangers, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’.