The Rangers said that Alexi Ogando left Tuesday's outing against the Cubs because he was nearing his pitch count. It's a little hard to believe given that Ogando went out to warm up for the fourth inning and then was greeted by the trainer before walking off. He did throw 78 pitches over the first three frames, so his night surely was nearing an end. Ogando is expected to crack the Rangers' Opening Day roster if he is indeed healthy.

Alexi Ogando was roughed up by the Angels in Wednesday's start, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings. Ogando issued two walks and gave up five hits, including a three-run home run to Collin Cowgill in the third inning, part of a five-run outburst. Ogando hasn't been very sharp this spring. The Rangers, in desperate need of solid starting pitching, need a healthy and productive season from Ogando, something he hasn't had since 2011.

Alexi Ogando allowed one unearned run in three innings of work in Thursday's start against the Padres. Ogando allowed five hits but was able to stay out of trouble for the most part. He battled biceps and shoulder issues last season. If he can stay healthy, he should be a solid #3 for the Rangers.

Alexi Ogando struggled in his Cactus League debut against the Royals on Friday, surrendering a pair of runs on four hits over his two innings of work. Ogando struck out one without walking a batter in the game, throwing only 19 of his 34 pitches for strikes. The damage against him came on a two-run double by Mike Moustakas in the second frame. He's always had a live arm and upside in the strikeout department, but inconsistent command and injury risk continue to keep Ogando's price down in fantasy drafts.

Rangers avoided arbitration with RHP Alexi Ogando by agreeing to a one-year, $2.625 million contract. It's a nice raise for Ogando, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time. The 30-year-old posted a 3.11 ERA over 104 1/3 innings in 2013 and is expected to be used in a starting role in 2014.

Alexi Ogando gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Friday. Ogando allowed eight hits and three walks, but managed to keep the Rangers in the game. The 29-year-old has been solid when healthy this year, posting a 3.04 ERA and 72/39 K/BB ratio over 103 2/3 innings. He should be worth a late-round flier in mixed leagues if he has a rotation spot in 2014.

Alexi Ogando allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings Sunday against the Royals. Ogando was slated to throw 80-85 pitches today, so he couldn't be penciled in for more than six innings at the most. Instead, he got through seven in just 77 pitches in his second start back in the rotation. Since coming off the DL, he's allowed one run and five hits in 18 innings.

Alexi Ogando allowed one run on two hits over five innings in a win over the Rays on Tuesday. Ogando was making his first start since August 13, as he'd been pitching in relief since returning from the disabled list in early September. It was a good one, as he gave up just a solo home run to Jose Lobaton for the only Rays run on the night. He'll continue to get stretched out -- he needed just 69 pitches to get through those five innings -- and should get a few more starts before the season ends. His next should come Sunday at the Royals.

Alexi Ogando will start Tuesday's game against the Rays. Nick Tepesch was the other option, but the Rangers will give Ogando a shot in what will be his first start since August 13. He'll be limited to 3-4 innings, so Tepesch will probably wind up pitching, anyway. Ogando can be avoided for streaming purposes.

Alexi Ogando could be an option to enter the Rangers' rotation next Tuesday when they need a fifth starter. The Rangers had indicated that Ogando would likely be used as a reliever down the stretch simply because they wouldn't have time to stretch him out. But Ogando has thrown 2 1/3 scoreless relief innings since returning and it's possible the club will reverse course and make him the fifth starter. "I wouldn't be shocked if Ogando starts a game and I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't start a game," manager Ron Washington said. "Ogando has always been a candidate to start, but he just came off the disabled list. He's got to face hitters and then we'll make a decision."