4 years agoTexas Rangers reliever Joely Rodriguez, who reported to camp with a sprained ankle, is scheduled to throw off a mound this week, according to beat writer Jeff Wilson. Rangers GM Jon Daniels said Rodriguez was "a couple weeks behind" the other relievers once camp started so it's encouraging that he's progressed to mound work this quickly. The 29-year-old lefty could appear in some Cactus League games later in camp and he's yet to be ruled out for the start of the regular season. This is intriguing news in the wake of fellow reliever Jonathan Hernandez's UCL strain, which will sideline him for at least the next four weeks but probably longer. RHP Demarcus Evans, who was another late-inning option for Texas, is shutdown until mid-March with a lat strain as well. RHP Jose Leclerc figures to start the year as the Rangers' closer but Rodriguez could serve as the setup man if he gets through camp without any setbacks. J-Rod put up a solid 2.13 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 17:5 K/BB ratio over 12 2/3 innings last year for Texas. He's a name to keep an eye on as the regular season approaches.--Jon Mathisen - RotoBaller
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram