Tommy Hunter threw 38 pitches in his first bullpen session since suffering a strained right groin late in spring training. The right-hander said he was pain-free and expects to throw again in a few days. He also said that he's aware of the fact that Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando are all pitching well, and it's not an automatic that he will slide right back into the rotation when he's healthy enough to return.
Jurickson Profar, one of the Rangers' top prospects, has been placed on the minor-league disabled list with a sprained left wrist. The 18-year-old shortstop was hitting .182 for Class A Hickory.
Colby Lewis hasn't pitched since April 9 at Baltimore while dealing with the birth of his daughter, but he has thrown four bullpen session during his layoff. Two of them were in Bakersfield, Calif., where his wife gave birth a week ago.
Four Rangers, including Julio Borbon, took some early bunting practice. Borbon has struggled with drag bunting, popping out three times. Borbon said he just hasn't executed but recognizes that it's a critical part of his offensive game.
Manager Ron Washington said that he still hasn't selected an eighth-inning reliever, but Darren Oliver will be in the role more than others. Pedro Strop could see some time in the eighth, too. At the very least, said Washington, Strop has earned the confidence of the coaching staff.
North Texas football coach Dan McCarney is throwing out the first pitch tonight on Mean Green Night at Rangers Ballpark.
-- Jeff Wilson
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