Rangers notes: Chi Chi Gonzalez sent back to minors but future remains bright

The Rangers made more moves Tuesday morning, including moving right-handed pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez to minor league camp. Gonzalez pitched well in his first major league camp, including five innings against the Reds on Monday night in which he allowed two runs on four hits and six strikeouts.

Right-handed pitcher Ross Wolf was also assigned to minor league camp and shortstop Hanser Alberto was optioned to Triple A Round Rock.

The Rangers want Gonzalez to continue to refine his four pitches and work on knowing how to attack different hitters to force the ground ball outs his game is dependent on.

“He had a tremendous showing in spring training for us,” manager Jeff Banister said of Gonzalez. “He came as advertised. The ability to pound the strike zone down. There are parts of the game he needs to experience on a daily basis that in the long run will allow Chi Chi to be a quality major league pitcher.”

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said Gonzalez remains an option if the team needs to fill a spot in the rotation this season.

“I just think to open a season is not the time to do that,” Daniels said. “There’s a benefit to a guy rolling in the minor leagues and coming up in mid-year, assuming he continues on this track. He’ll be in the conversation if he’s in fact the best guy when we have a need. I think he’s put himself in that conversation.”

It was an easy decision, Daniels said.

“He’s a good, young pitcher and definitely part of our future,” Daniels said. “He’s a very talented, very mature young pitcher who’s half a year above A ball. He’s got some things that he can work on and we’re going to let him do that.”

Action in the minors

Phil Klein threw one inning in a Double A game Tuesday, allowing a two-run homer in a nine-pitch at-bat. He allowed two hits, walked none and struck out one in 24 pitches.

Nick Martinez, Lisalverto Bonilla, Colby Lewis, and Ross Ohlendorf are scheduled to pitch in minor league games Thursday.

Mitch Moreland went 1 for 5 and Shin-Soo Choo went 0 for 5 in minor league games Tuesday.

Medical updates

▪ LHP Martin Perez (Tommy John surgery) throws off the mound again Wednesday.

▪ LHP Matt Harrison (spinal fusion surgery) throws 20 pitches off the mound for the second time Thursday.

▪ RHP Ross Ohlendorf (groin) felt fine after a bullpen session Monday.

▪ RHP Shawn Tolleson (arm soreness) threw long toss Monday and again Tuesday.

This story was originally published March 24, 2015 at 4:46 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: Chi Chi Gonzalez sent back to minors but future remains bright."