by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/27/2013) Rangers manager Ron Washington named left-handed pitcher Robbie Ross as one of his two primary setup men to begin the year, according to the Dallas Morning News. Ross was in the running for a rotation spot this spring before being shifted to the bullpen. Ross has allowed five earned runs in 18 1/3 innings of work, posting a 2.45 ERA and 1.47 WHIP.
Robbie Ross shifted to the bullpen
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (3/22/2013)Robbie Ross, once thought to be a competitor for the Rangers' fifth starter job, has been shifted to the bullpen, ESPN Dallas reports.
Ross, 24, allowed a 3.07 ERA in 14.2 spring innings but struggled with his control. He walked seven batters and hit another, and manager Ron Washington said he was struggling to adapt to the role. The club will use him out of the bullpen, where he posted a 2.22 ERA last season.
Robbie Ross headed to the bullpen
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) The Rangers announced Thursday that left-hander Robbie Ross will pitch out of the bullpen to start the year.
Ross has posted a 3.07 ERA and 1.57 WHIP through 14 2/3 innings this spring, striking out eight and walking seven. He gives the Rangers a second lefty in the bullpen.
The announcement also opens the door for Nick Tepesch to begin the season in the Rangers rotation, although the team could also consider Derek Lowe or outside help for that fifth spot.
Robbie Ross picks up second spring win
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/17/2013) Rangers rotation candidate Robbie Ross picked up his second Cactus League win Sunday against the Cubs. Ross, who was originally projected for five innings Sunday, lasted only three as he ran up his pitch count. He tossed three scoreless innings and gave up four hits in an 8-5 victory. He struck out four and walked three as he improved his ERA to 3.07 this spring.
Ross is competing with non-roster invitee Nick Tepesch for the final spot in the rotation. Tepesch has a 3.46 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 13 innings of work.
Rangers looking everywhere for No. 5 starter
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/17/2013) CBS Sports Baseball Insider Jon Heyman says the Rangers are in the market for a starting pitcher. This comes according to team officials. Two of the names that have been linked to the Rangers are Kyle Lohse and Detroit starter Rick Porcello, who is battling for the Tigers' No. 5 job.
As it stands, the Rangers have an internal camp battle for the spot between Robbie Ross and non-roster invitee Nick Tepesch. The Rangers apparently believe that battle is too close to call right now. Some officials suggest manager Ron Washington would prefer to keep Ross in the bullpen, where he flourished last year.
Other starters who could be available include Aaron Harang, Chris Capuano and Ted Lilly of the Dodgers, Bud Norris of Houston and possibly Jake Arrieta and Zach Britton of Baltimore.
Ross has allowed five earned runs over 11 2/3 innings this spring for a 3.86 ERA with four strikeouts. Tepesch, meanwhile, struggled Saturday and has allowed five earned runs this spring over 13 innings for an ERA of 3.46. He's struck out 10 batters.
Ross shows his wild side
(3/10/2013) Rangers pitcher Robbie Ross walked just four pitchers in his first 11 2/3 innings this spring but was a little wild in Sunday's Cactus League game against the Indians. He allowed two runs on three hits with three walks over 2 2/3 innings. Ross also struck out two while seeing his spring ERA rise to 3.86. "Ross walked too many people," manager Ron Washington said. "He wasn't happy. He wasn't able to back door his cutter like he usually does."
Ross getting stretched out
(3/6/2013) Rangers pitcher Robbie Ross made longest start of the Cactus League on Wednesday against the Cubs. He allowed one run on four hits over four innings of work. The left-hander surrendered a solo homer to Scott Hairston in the first for his lone damage. Ross also struck out one while not issuing a walk. "That home run, I wish I could have done without that," said Ross. "After that I settled down and just threw strikes. I guess it was just that feeling of, I didn't want to do what I did in the first inning."
Ross gives up long ball
(2/27/2013) Rangers pitcher Robbie Ross made his second Cactus League appearance on Wednesday against the White Sox as he continues to compete for a rotation spot. He allowed two runs on four hits over three innings of work. The left-hander surrendered a two-run homer to Paul Konerko in the fifth for his lone damage. Ross also struck out one and walked one. "Just a 3-2 count, a fastball and Konerko got it," Ross told MLB.com. "I felt good. Everything was going right until he got a hold of it."
Ross sharp in spring debut
(2/22/2013) Rangers pitcher Robbie Ross made his spring debut on Friday against the Royals. He pitched two scoreless innings, giving up one hit. Ross, who is competing for a spot in the rotation, threw 19 of his 32 pitches for strikes.
Ross a rotation candidate
(1/18/2013) Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux told MLB.com Friday that Martin Perez, Robbie Ross and Justin Grimm will be among the candidates to compete for the No. 5 spot in the rotation this spring. Ross went 6-0 with a 2.22 ERA in 58 appearances for Texas last season. "Maybe someone steps up like [Alexi] Ogando did a couple of years ago and claims the spot and prospers with it," Maddux said. "We have some youth in that role, we have some six-year free agents that might qualify for that role, there's still some free agents out there. There's really no telling who the forerunner is on it, but we do have some in-house candidates out there."
