Rangers notes: DeShields has heard hints but his place on roster seems loud and clear

Carlos Peguero was told he’ll start the season with Triple A Round Rock, meaning Delino DeShields, Jr., will make the Rangers’ 25-man roster.

Rosters have to be finalized by 2 p.m. Sunday.

The Rangers closed out their spring training stint in Arizona on Wednesday afternoon with a game against the Rockies in Scottsdale. The Rangers play the New York Mets on Friday and Saturday in the final exhibition games at Globe Life Park before heading to Oakland for the season-opening series, which begins Monday.

DeShields, who has top-level speed, has not yet been told he’s made the team, but says he’s picked up on a few hints the past couple of days.

Manager Jeff Banister declined to reveal any decision Wednesday morning during his last meeting with the media in Surprise.

“We still have a few decisions left to be made,” Banister said. “We’ll finalize those decisions in the next couple of days.”

The delayed announcement could be related to DeShields’ Rule 5 situation. The Rangers selected him from the Astros in December’s Rule 5 draft.

If he’s on the Opening Day roster he has to remain with the Rangers all season. If not on the roster, he has to be put through waivers, where any other team can claim him. If a team claims him, DeShields is still bound by Rule 5 terms. If no team claims him, he has to be offered back to the Astros for $25,000, half of the initial transaction at the time of the Rule 5 draft. The two clubs could then work out a trade wherein DeShields would technically be traded from the Astros back to the Rangers.

Rehab duties

The Rangers announced where ace Yu Darvish and other injured players will continue their rehab during the season.

Darvish will return to Arlington where he’ll be with the team for the opening six-game homestand. Darvish (Tommy John surgery) will rehab at Dr. Keith Meister’s TMI Clinic, along with Jurickson Profar (shoulder) and Antoan Richardson (back surgery).

Left-handed pitchers Martin Perez (Tommy John) and Matt Harrison (back surgery) will both throw bullpen sessions on Friday. They’ll continue to throw in Frisco while the team travels to Oakland for the season-opening series. They’ll rejoin the team for the opening homestand before returning to Arizona to continue their rehab routines.

Scheppers, Tolleson cleared

Right-handed bullpen pitchers Tanner Scheppers and Shawn Tolleson have been cleared from any serious injuries by clean MRIs. Tolleson (sore throwing forearm) feels “100 percent” after throwing two minor league innings the past few days.

The Rangers would like to get one more look at Tolleson, either against the Mets this weekend in Arlington or in a simulated game.

Scheppers (ankle) looks more likely to start on the disabled list. He’s scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday.

Fujikawa setback

Kyuji Fujikawa left Tuesday’s split squad game with tightness in his right groin. The right-hander will be evaluated by Meister today. Fujikawa received treatment Wednesday morning and the club doesn’t think it’s serious. But he won’t throw for the next three to five days.

Gallo’s heel

Rangers’ top prospect Joey Gallo has been out of action since Monday with a sore left heel. He had an MRI and will get the results today. Gallo said it’s specific to the back of the heel and wasn’t an Achilles issue. Gallo, who took part in his first major league spring training, will start the season with Double A Frisco.

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 5:13 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: DeShields has heard hints but his place on roster seems loud and clear."