Rangers’ Chi Chi Gonzalez simply seeking more zeroes
Chi Chi Gonzalez has made two big-league starts, covering 14 2/3 innings, and has yet to allow an earned run — a streak he puts on the line Thursday as the Texas Rangers close out a three-game series at O.co Coliseum.
Gonzalez, though, isn’t thinking about a shutout. He just wants to replicate the things that led to a three-hitter Friday at Kansas City. That’s all that’s on his mind as he tries to apply the K.I.S.S. theory — Keep It Simple, Stupid.
He got an assist from Greg Maddux, a special assistant who has joined the Rangers for this series.
“He said, ‘Just try to be the one who gives up the less runs,’” Gonzalez said. “We both cracked up as soon as he said that.”
Gonzalez has tried to soak up as much as possible from Maddux, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer.
“He’s the best resource in baseball,” Gonzalez said. “A Hall of Famer in your back pocket just wanting to talk to you. It only helps.”
Perez feels good
Left-hander Martin Perez allowed one run in 2 2/3 innings Tuesday night for Double A Frisco in his first rehab start since Tommy John surgery in May 2014. He hopes to join the Rangers before the All-Star break.
Perez reached his pitch limit of 45 (33 strikes), and topped out at 94 mph. He allowed five hits, struck out four and walked none at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
Perez is expected to throw four innings or 60 pitches Monday at Triple A Round Rock after a bullpen session Friday in front of pitching coach Mike Maddux at Globe Life Park.
“I feel good. I think I threw a lot of strikes, tried to work on my curve,” Perez said. “So far, so good. The most important thing is my arm feels good, and that’s how I want it to feel.”
Scheppers in eighth?
Right-hander Tanner Scheppers didn’t start the eighth inning Tuesday night, but the thought crossed the mind of manager Jeff Banister.
Scheppers entered after two batters and preserved a 2-1 lead, looking like the shutdown eighth-inning reliever he was in 2013. He opened this season in that role before struggling and getting demoted to Triple A Round Rock, but has pitched well since returning.
With Ross Ohlendorf (groin) out, Scheppers could find himself pitching late again.
“The back end of a ballgame is definitely where you want to be if you’re in the bullpen,” Scheppers said. “I’m just really happy to get the opportunity. I’m definitely feeling more comfortable every time I go out.”
Draft recap
The Rangers drafted 29 players on the third and final day of the first-year player draft, which included rounds 11 through 40.
Among the 40 players selected overall, including rounds 1-10, the Rangers took 23 pitchers (17 right-handed, six left-handed), eight outfielders, seven infielders and two catchers.
Texas drafted 30 college players and 10 high school players.
Gallo day off?
Third baseman Joey Gallo could receive his first day off Thursday against A’s left-hander Scott Kazmir.
Adam Rosales started at second base Tuesday, giving rookie Hanser Alberto a day off.
Jeff Wilson, 817-390-7760
Twitter: @JeffWilson_FWST
Stefan Stevenson, 817-390-7760
Twitter: @StevensonFWST
Rangers Draft Day 3
The 29 players the Rangers picked on Wednesday’s third and final day of the draft:
Rd | Pos., Player | School |
11 | OF Scott Heineman | Oregon |
12 | CF Ledarious Clark | West Florida |
13 | 1B Curtis Terry | Archer (Ga.) H.S. |
14 | LHP Adam Choplick | Oklahoma |
15 | CF Kyle Kaye | Glendora (Calif.) H.S. |
16 | RHP Tyler Phillips | Bishop Eustace (NJ) |
17 | C Tyler Sanchez | St. John’s |
18 | LHP Jason Richman | Georgia Southern |
19 | 3B Xavier Turner | Vanderbilt |
20 | RHP Luke Shilling | N. Dame (Mich.) Prep |
21 | C Joenny Vazquez | EDUTEC (Puerto Rico) |
22 | SS Josh Altmann | Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) |
23 | RHP Tyler Davis | Washington |
24 | RHP Ashton Perritt | Liberty Univ. |
25 | RHP Demarcus Evans | Petal (Miss.) H.S. |
26 | RHP Jacob Shortslef | Herkimer (NY) Co. CC |
27 | LHP Clyde Kendrick | Eastern New Mexico |
28 | 2B Blaine Prescott | Midland College |
29 | RHP Maikor Mora | Polk (Fla.) State |
30 | LHP Jeffrey Springs | Appalachian (NC) St. |
31 | OF Jamie Potts | Grand Vall. (Mich.) St. |
32 | RHP John Werner | St. Catharine (Ky.) Coll. |
33 | LHP C.D. Pelham | Spartanburg (SC) Meth. |
34 | LHP Joeanthony Rivera | Barry (Fla.) Univ. |
35 | RHP Isaiah Carranza | Damien (Cali.) H.S. |
36 | OF DJ Peters | Western Nevada CC |
37 | RHP Billy Layne, Jr. | Old Bridge (NJ) H.S. |
38 | 3B Dean Long | Emporia (Kan.) St. |
39 | RHP Shae Murray | Ohio State |
40 | CF London Lindley | Georgia Perimeter Coll. |
This story was originally published June 10, 2015 at 10:39 PM with the headline "Rangers’ Chi Chi Gonzalez simply seeking more zeroes."