Rangers get good news from Ross, Hamels

Tyson Ross allowed only two hits and a walk over five scoreless innings in a rehab start for Triple A Round Rock, and Cole Hamels played catch for the first time since May 2 in his first step back from a strained right oblique.　

Ross threw 73 pitches and liked the sink on his fastball. He also told reporters at Dell Diamond that he mixed speeds well and was able to keep batters off-balance with his slider.

“I came out feeling strong tonight,” Ross said. “It was nice to get out under the lights. I’ve been pitching in Arizona, so it was nice to have the crowd out there and see the defense playing behind me.

“It’s been a long process and luckily I’ve had some great trainers and staff helping me along the way. It’s another step closer.”

Ross, who had back spasms last month on his way back from surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, will make at least one more rehab start, general manager Jon Daniels said.

Hamels is as many as five weeks away from coming off the disabled list after he was injured while warming up for a start in Houston.

Pitching coach Doug Brocail went into the Hamels throwing session not expecting much, but Hamels impressed him by being able to get into his mechanics and throw with some oomph.

“It was heavy,” Brocail said. “We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”

This story was originally published May 23, 2017 at 11:08 PM with the headline "Rangers get good news from Ross, Hamels."