Rangers' Alexi Ogando Headed Back To The Bullpen

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports Texas Rangers right-hander Alexi Ogando is headed back to the bullpen after spending 2011 as a starter.

Ogando had success last year, posting a 13-8 record in 29 starts with a 3.51 ERA and a sparkling 126/43 K/BB ratio. Even though he was used out of the bullpen in the playoffs, he has been stretched out as a starter all spring. Ogando threw six innings in a start Wednesday.

Last year the choice to keep Neftali Feliz as the team's closer opened the door for Ogando to start. With Feliz headed to the rotation in 2012, it appears the opposite is happening this year. While it's clear Ogando wants to remain a starter, he's bracing for the possibility of a return trip to the bullpen. "I wasn't anticipating it before, but now I am," said Ogando. "Whatever they ask me to do...I am a team player."

No team uses only five starters during a season, so most likely Ogando will have a chance to start at some point during the season. The Rangers have a great weapon in Ogando, who can thrive in both the rotation and the bullpen.