Rangers rumors: Colby Lewis, Neftali Feliz on track

The Texas Rangers are still weighing their options in terms of adding a starting pitcher to the back end of the rotation, but the club may limit their search due to the progress that right-hander Colby Lewis is making in his rehab from arm surgery, reports Anthony Andro of FOX Sports Southwest:

The Texas Rangers haven't made any additions to their starting pitching staff yet this offseason, and things could stay that way...

"We feel real good about our first four and we have some internal competition for the fifth spot," [said GM Jon Daniels]...

That internal competition may be short term because of the progress right-hander Colby Lewis has made in his return from flexor tendon surgery.

The original plan was for Lewis to be ready in June but he's already started a throwing program and there's a chance he could return to the mound earlier than that.

Daniels added that while Lewis' speedy recovery is positive news for the Rangers, they do not want to push him in his recovery.

Lewis, 33, was on his way to a career-best year when he was shut down right after the All-Star break with his forearm injury. The right-hander made 16 starts on the season, posting a 3.43 ERA, 1.2 BB/9 rate and 8.0 K/9 rate in 105 innings of work.

Neftali Feliz, who underwent Tommy John surgery in August, is also on track in his return from surgery. His return date is expected to be some time in the second half of the season, likely in September.