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Texas Rangers starting pitcher Matt Harrison will undergo surgery to repair a herniated disk in his back, the team announced on Friday. Harrison is expected to be out of the team's rotation until after the All Star break.
The Rangers placed Harrison on the disabled list last week with a sore back. The southpaw had attempted to pitch through the pain, but struggled in his first two starts, posting an 8.43 ERA. Harrison received two epidermal injections in his back, but was still having problem following the injections.
Texas has to be disappointed with the extended loss of Harrison, who pitched very well for them the past two seasons. The lefty posted a 3.39 ERA in 185.2 innings in 2011, and followed that performance with a 3.29 ERA in 213.1 innings in 2012. Harrison does not strike a lot of batters out, but does a good job forcing groundballs and keeping flyballs in the park.
Rangers Claim Charlie Leesman
The Texas Rangers claimed left-handed pitcher Charlie Leesman off release waivers from the Chicago White Sox.
The Rangers called on Justin Grimm to start in Harrison's absence. Grimm made his first start against the Seattle Mariners, allowing two runs on five hits in four innings. Grimm struck out two Mariners, but walked three and surrendered a home run. Texas also has former starter Derek Lowe working out of the team's bullpen to start games in Harrison's absence.
