Tanner Scheppers could soon be option for Rangers

Right-hander Tanner Scheppers could soon be an option, Banister said. Scheppers is on a rehab assignment in the minors. He’s allowed a run on four hits and two walks in five innings (five appearances).

“He’s been throwing the ball well,” Banister said. “I don’t think it’s that far off.”

Scheppers had surgery on his left knee in February and began his rehab stint last week.

Banister said it’s no longer necessary to see Scheppers pitch on consecutive nights with rosters expanding on Friday. The club will no longer be hamstrung in the bullpen with more arms available. Banister said Scheppers velocity dipped a bit in his last start on Sunday. “He’s got good run on the fastball,” he said. “The breaking stuff has been serviceable. He’s been pitching OK.”

This story was originally published August 29, 2016 at 9:19 PM with the headline "Tanner Scheppers could soon be option for Rangers."