Nick Tepesch allowed two hits in three scoreless innings in Monday's 6-5 loss to the Indians.

Tepesch opens up the Cactus League looking strong. He was scratched from his previous appearance due to a sore back, but looks ready to fight for a job at the back of the Rangers' rotation now.

Nick Tepesch (back) will throw an inning in Monday's game versus the Indians.

Tepesch was scratched from an appearance last week due to a sore back, but it's now a non-issue. He's competing for a spot in the Rangers' rotation.

Nick Tepesch will not pitch in Tuesday's intrasquad game due to back soreness.

The Rangers don't think it's serious, but they aren't taking any chances this early in the spring. He's listed as day-to-day.

The Rangers are leaning towards keeping Nick Tepesch in the rotation for a start next Tuesday against the Rays.

Alexi Ogando is still under consideration, but it sounds like he'll remain in the bullpen. Tepesch allowed two runs over 3 1/3 innings on Sunday in his return to the Rangers' rotation.

Nick Tepesch will return to the Rangers rotation to start against the Angels on Sunday in Anaheim.

It will be the first start for the 24-year-old right-hander since returning from the disabled list. On the season, he owns a 4-6 record, 4.67 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 71/23 K/BB over 88 2/3 innings of work. He's a matchup play at best, and should probably be avoided for this start.

Nick Tepesch could start on Sunday in Anaheim.

The ball could also go to Travis Blackley, who has filled the fifth spot in the rotation the last three times out. Tepesch threw 3 1/3 scoreless relief innings Tuesday in his first appearance since returning from the DL.

Rangers activated RHP Nick Tepesch from the 15-day disabled list.

Tepesch has been sidelined since July 7 due to inflammation in his right elbow. He's expected to work primarily out of the bullpen down the stretch for the Rangers.

Nick Tepesch (elbow) will throw around 55 pitches during his second minor league rehab start with Double-A Frisco on Friday.

Tepesch went two-plus innings in his first outing, and his attempting to build up his arm strength before rejoining the Rangers' rotation. He's likely to need one more start after this one, and could return to the rotation in early September.

Nick Tepesch (elbow) allowed one run over two-plus innings Tuesday in his first minor league rehab start with Double-A Frisco.

His first game since July 7 due to right elbow inflammation, Tepesch gave up three hits and walked one walking striking out none. He threw a total of 41 pitches. The Rangers are hoping he'll be able to rejoin the rotation in early September.

Nick Tepesch threw a successful live batting practice session on Saturday.

He will now progress to throwing 35-40 pitches in a minor league rehab start for Double-A Frisco on Tuesday. With Travis Blackley currently occupying a spot in the Rangers' rotation, there could be an opening for Tepesch to slide back in once he's fully healthy.

Nick Tepesch (elbow) will throw live batting practice Saturday.

He was cleared to do so after another successful bullpen session Wednesday. Tepesch should make a rehab appearance or two after throwing live BP before rejoining the big league roster.

Nick Tepesch (elbow) threw a second bullpen session on Monday.

Tepesch should be able to progress to a simulated game and then rehab assignment soon. Out since early July with right elbow inflammation, it remains to be seen whether Tepesch will have a rotation spot waiting for him once he's ready for activation.

Nick Tepesch (elbow) is still limited to throwing long toss on flat ground.

Tepesch was placed on the disabled list on July 6 and he's still not progressed to throwing off a mound. That might change next week, but even then, it will take him some time to get back to the Rangers. Even when he does, there doesn't seem to be a spot in the rotation for him at this point.

Nick Tepesch (elbow) said he's been playing catch "on and off" since being placed on the DL earlier this month and hasn't had any issues.

"I won't know until I get on a mound, but it's definitely feeling better," Tepesch said. The righty added that he's not sure when he'll be cleared to throw from the bump. With the addition of Matt Garza and other pitchers getting healthy, there's a good chance he won't have a starting job once ready.

Rangers placed RHP Nick Tepesch on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 6, with right elbow inflammation.

The move comes after Tepesch recorded a career-high nine strikeouts Friday. It's not clear at this point whether he'll have to undergo an MRI, so his timetable for a return is up in the air. Alexi Ogando (shoulder) will surely beat him back to action.

Nick Tepesch recorded a career-high nine strikeouts in just five innings in Friday's victory over the Astros.

Tepesch surrendered four runs on seven hits and a walk on the night. He cruised through the first five innings unscathed, but the Astros erupted for four in the sixth to chase him from the ballgame. The victory was his first since May 12. He'll carry a disappointing 4.85 ERA and 1.35 WHIP into Baltimore where he'll do battle against the Orioles on Wednesday.

Nick Tepesch surrendered four runs -- three earned -- in a four-inning start Saturday against the Reds.

Tepesch was overmatched by a stout Cincinnati offense, but he escaped with a no-decision because the Reds didn't put the nail in the coffin until the 11th inning. Tepesch has a 4.71 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 80 1/3 frames (15 starts) this season. He is not a fantasy guy.

Nick Tepesch allowed just one run on four hits over 5 2/3 innings in his start on Sunday night against the Cardinals

Tepesch held the Cardinals hitless through four innings before giving up a single to David Freese. He continues to struggle to pitch deep into games and fell just short of a quality start. His lone mistake came on a solo home run to Matt Carpenter. Tepesch will make his next start Saturday vs. the Reds.

Nick Tepesch lasted just 3 2/3 innings and gave up six runs to the A's in a loss Monday.

Tepesch's time in the rotation may soon come to an end. He's given up 17 runs over 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts, and he hasn't picked up a win since beating Houston on May 12. The Rangers might give him one more chance, but if he doesn't improve, he could be replaced by Martin Perez.

Nick Tepesch allowed five runs in five innings in taking the loss against the Indians on Wednesday.

Tepesch served up eight hits, including two home runs, and a walk in his five innings. He hasn't picked up a win in a month, and the loss dropped him to 3-6 on the year. He'll start again Monday against the Athletics.