Rangers right-handed reliever Tanner Scheppers is unlikely to be on the Opening Day roster with a lingering lower abdominal strain still bothering him.
Scheppers is expected to remain with the club through the two exhibition games against the Royals at Globe Life Park Friday and Saturday.
“It’s still uncomfortable,” said Scheppers, who felt some minor discomfort during a bullpen session on Tuesday. “I think it’s something that is pretty minor and not going to hold me down too long. It’s unfortunate timing.”
Scheppers’ injury situation appears to open the door for left-hander Dario Alvarez or right-hander Jose Leclerc to fill out the bullpen.