Tanner Scheppers back in Rangers’ bullpen for long relief

Right-hander Tanner Scheppers is back in the Rangers’ bullpen after being recalled from Triple A Round Rock.

Outfielder Jared Hoying was sent down and A.J. Griffin was placed on the 60-day disabled list and won’t be able to return until July 26.

Scheppers started the season with abdominal discomfort before going to Round Rock in April. He missed 20 days in May with back spasms. Since returning May 27 he has pitched well in seven appearances. In 10 1/3 combined innings, Scheppers has allowed one run on seven hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Before going on the DL, he had allowed nine runs on 11 hits, including five homers in his previous three outings.

“I think anytime you’re dealing with back spasms or anything you need time to cool down and let the pain subside,” Scheppers said. “Since then it’s just been good to get out there and throw pain-free.”

Scheppers led the Rangers’ bullpen with a 1.88 ERA in 76 2/3 innings in 2013 but hasn’t been healthy for a full season since.

“You learn a lot about yourself. It’s definitely nice to be home,” he said. “Right now things are feeling good and healthy. I’m just here to help out any way I can.”

Manager Jeff Banister hopes Scheppers will fill a long relief need with Austin Bibens-Dirkx assuming a starter’s role and Dillon Gee no longer on the roster.

“All reports are that the fastball command is there. The secondary stuff has had some swing and miss to it,” Banister said. “Everything's been really positive on what Tanner’s been doing down there.”

This story was originally published June 19, 2017 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Tanner Scheppers back in Rangers’ bullpen for long relief."