Balky Back Takes Dustin Nippert Out Of Bullpen Race

Posted on March 27th, 2009 8:49pm by Evan Grant
Filed under Bullpen, Injury report, Roster report, Texas Rangers

Nippert tried to throw “live” batting practice this afternoon, but his back stiffened up again and the session was cut short. The Rangers haven’t made a roster move with him yet, but seeing as he hasn’t pitched in more than 10 days and is now going to miss even more time, you can bet he’s out of the mix. The Rangers can put him on the DL to open the season, if they wish, but that would necessitate leaving him on the 40-man roster. Now, if the back issue is really serious, the club could place him on the 60-day DL, thereby holding on to Nippert for the time being and opening a slot for one of these RHPs: Kris Benson, Jason Jennings or Derrick Turnbow.

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7 Comments to “Balky Back Takes Dustin Nippert Out Of Bullpen Race”
  • Rachel @ March 27th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    Evan + Booth time on TV = Rangers fail.

  • Mike E @ March 27th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

    Hey Evan, Josh and Tom were wondering why you didn’t bring them any food.

  • BorasHater @ March 28th, 2009 at 1:05 am

    Evan, no offense but Jamey smoked you on the video……you keep writing and put Jamey on the air……..I don’t think he’ll say those silly Jones comments you make…….It would seem to me the Rangers would be sensitive to previous sluggers trying to hit without stoids………we need to walk away from this…..it’s not a Josh story……..Scott Boras go away………..

  • RangerFan1974 @ March 28th, 2009 at 9:37 am

    60 day DL sounds great. Gives Rupe a chance to stick so we don’t loose him. I think he will figure it out and Nippert should be ready when we need him.

  • dude in Afghanistan @ March 28th, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Evan, if Nippert goes on the 60-day DL and it’s retroactive, when would he be eligible to come off? He’s not pitched in a game for 2 weeks or so, correct? I’m thinking it will likely require the whole 60 days to get him healed and back in form anyway. Sounds like the best move, if all stays as it is–but “as it is” is not exactly what we’re hoping for with Rangers pitching, is it?

  • dp @ March 28th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

    Check out Rangers piece on HeyManWhatsUp – they give the Inside Corners guys some real love:

    http://www.heymanwhatsup.com/main/2009/3/28/the-rangers-really-you-bet.html

  • rob m @ March 28th, 2009 at 1:49 pm

    Dude: I think March 27 is the date that DL assignments can be back dated to even if the palyer didn’t play before that date.