Oswalt Hopes To Join Rangers After 4 AAA Starts
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) – Roy Oswalt is bringing a veteran presence to the Texas Rangers pitching staff. During a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon we learned where the starting pitcher is at as he tries to make a return to the big league.
Back problems prematurely ended Oswalt's season in 2011.
On conditioning: Oswalt says he has been throwing bullpen sessions for the last six weeks. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday he throws between 65 and 85 pitches.
"My arm feels great," proclaimed Oswalt to the reporters.
Oswalt is scheduled to pitch Saturday for the club's AAA Round Rock team. He hopes to throw between 50 to 60 pitches. And after that? "I'm hoping after four starts to be ready to join the team," explained the right hander.
On teams interested in him: Oswalt says the Los Angeles Dodgers were in the picture. But, the Rangers struck a one year, $5 million deal for his services. And Roy says a conversation with a former Rangers pitcher gave him insight into the club.
"I talked to Cliff Lee a little bit about the clubhouse and he said it was great. He loved the time he was there," said Oswalt.
Lee was traded to the Rangers during the 2010 season and helped get the team to its first World Series in franchise history.
On the Rangers: Oswalt says that one thing that stands out is Texas' lineup and wealth of hitters. "The Rangers have great power 1 to 9. They also have guys who put the bat on the ball."
If he gets the run support, Oswalt could rack up the wins for Texas the rest of this season.
