Rangers placed RHP Tanner Scheppers on the 15-day disabled list with muscle inflammation in his right elbow.

The club is saying Scheppers' ligament is fine, as it's a muscular injury. That's obviously preferred, but it's not clear how long he might be sidelined. Nick Martinez is expected to be recalled to start on Tuesday in Scheppers' place.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Thursday that removing Tanner Scheppers from the rotation is "nothing that's crossed my mind."

"We know it's a work in progress," Washington added. Scheppers was battered for six runs over just 2 1/3 frames Thursday against the Mariners and now has a 9.82 ERA over his first four starts. He's pitched beyond the fifth inning on just one occasion. Still, the Rangers don't really have any great alternatives with Matt Harrison (back) not quite ready. Scheppers will be on the chopping block in a couple weeks when Harrison returns.

Tanner Scheppers was awful again but escaped with a no-decision Thursday, allowing six runs over just 2 1/3 frames in an 8-6 win over the Mariners.

The Rangers handed Scheppers a 4-0 lead, but the M's got to him in a big way in a six-run third inning. The righty allowed six hits and walked three on the day. He's issued eight free passes over his 18 1/3 innings this season and holds a 9.82 ERA. The Rangers probably would have booted him from the rotation already if they had more options. With Matt Harrison (back) due back soon, Scheppers better shape up in a hurry. He gets the A's next.

Tanner Scheppers was shelled for five earned runs over seven innings Saturday in the Rangers' loss to Houston.

Scheppers now has two ugly outings and one decent one, and he'll carry a 7.88 ERA into his next start against the Mariners. The Rangers badly need Matt Harrison back.

Tanner Scheppers pitched five innings and allowed two runs Monday in a loss to the Red Sox.

Scheppers was far more successful tonight that when he was slammed for seven runs on Opening Day, but unlike last time, the run support wasn't there. He ended up allowing nine hits, walking one and striking out three. He'll need to be better over his next couple of starts or risk being sent to the pen when Matt Harrison comes off the DL.

The Rangers will start Tanner Scheppers on Opening Day against the Phillies on March 31.

He'll start in place of Yu Darvish, who was scratched from the assignment due to a neck injury. Some speculated that Martin Perez would get the nod in his place, but Scheppers will get the call in what will be his first major league start. You don't see that very often.

Rangers manager Ron Washington announced Saturday that Tanner Scheppers has secured a spot in the Rangers Opening Day rotation.

The 27-year-old certainly earned the nod with a strong showing in Cactus League play. He posted a 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 14/4 K/BB ratio in 14 2/3 innings. While his home ballpark does him no favors, his strong ratio base and upside in strikeouts make him a very interesting name in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Tanner Scheppers racked up six strikeouts while allowing two runs on five hits over six frames in Friday's Cactus League victory over the Brewers.

The 27-year-old hurler was initially in the mix for the team's vacancy in the ninth inning, but is now being taken seriously as a competitor for the final spot in the Rangers Opening Day rotation. Should he be able to secure that job, his live arm and plus strikeout potential make him a very intriguing option in mixed league drafts.

Tanner Scheppers pitched decently in a losing effort against the Reds on Friday, allowing two runs on three hits in four innings.

Scheppers racked up five strikeouts on the afternoon while walking two. The 27-year-old right-hander is competing for a spot in the Rangers rotation, but is likely to wind up back in a setup role.

Tanner Scheppers (back) will throw two innings in Sunday's game against the White Sox.

Scheppers dealt with some back spasms early on in camp, but they're no longer an issue. The righty is technically competing both for a rotation spot and the closer job, but he's likely to wind up back in a setup role.

Tanner Scheppers (back) threw on flat ground Saturday.

Scheppers had been sidelined by back spasms, but they've subsided enough to allow him to return to throwing. He reported no complications from the throwing session, so he'll move on to a bullpen session Monday. The 27-year-old is considered to be in competition for the closer role, but he'll likely end up in a late-inning role similar to the one he filled last season.

Tanner Scheppers (back) has reported some improvement.

Scheppers was scratched from throwing Thursday due to back spasms, but he's expected to be cleared by team physician Dr. Keith Meister on Thursday. The 27-year-old has been mentioned as a possibility for the rotation, but he'll likely be pitching in the late innings for the Rangers again in 2014.

Tanner Scheppers was scratched from throwing Tuesday due to back spasms and is considered day-to-day.

It's not considered major, but the Rangers are playing it safe. Scheppers, 27, had a 1.88 ERA in 76 appearances last year and is a darkhorse for the team's closer role.

Tanner Scheppers is preparing to be a starter in spring training, according to Jeff WIlson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"He's interested in starting, but he's also interested in closing," Rangers GM Jon Daniels said. "Robbie [Ross] would be more likely." Texas appears content at this point to keep Scheppers in the bullpen, where he could compete to become Joe Nathan's successor next spring. Scheppers went 6-2 with a 1.88 ERA over 76 relief appearances this past season.

Tanner Scheppers earned his first career save by tossing two scoreless innings against the Angels on Tuesday.

Relax, Joe Nathan owners. Texas' 38-year-old closer had thrown in each of the previous two days, so the Rangers elected to let Scheppers finish the game. Scheppers entered the eighth inning with Texas clutching a 4-3 lead. Because the Rangers scored four runs in the top of the ninth, a save opportunity would not have been available to another pitcher.

Drew Davison of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports Tanner Scheppers was unavailable Friday after being assaulted on a Cleveland street Thursday night.

Tanner Scheppers was unavailable Friday due to a bruise above his left eye and a headache.

The full extent of the injury isn't yet known, but Scheppers should be considered day-to-day. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 1.74 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 46 relief appearances this season.

Rangers manager Ron Washington said Saturday that Tanner Scheppers is his top setup man.

Scheppers has unofficially held the title for a while. The hard-thrower has yet to allow a run this season and holds a 1.11 WHIP and 7/4 K/BB ratio over 12 2/3 innings. With Joakim Soria recently suffering a setback, Scheppers should handle the eighth inning for a while. "We've certainly been hoping that one day he steps up and takes charge, and he's stepping up," Washington said. "He's got a good arm and the key is he's throwing strikes."

Tanner Scheppers has won a spot in the Rangers' bullpen.

Scheppers shook off some early hamstring tightness to post a 4.00 ERA and 6/1 K/BB ratio over nine innings of work this spring. The 26-year-old will operate in middle relief, but could earn his way into the late innings before long.

Tanner Scheppers (hamstring) threw a live batting practice session Sunday.

"Everything feels good," Scheppers said. He's scheduled to return to game action on Wednesday.