Ben

Kozlowski

He isn’t yet 100 percent, but he is making steady progress. “It’s been fantastic,” Kozlowski said. “I’m averaging 50 pitches ... whatever I have that day, I’m letting it rip.” Kozlowski is the only Rangers pitcher currently limited in what he can do. Chan Ho Park, Jeff Zimmerman and Ricardo Rodriguez will be able to handle normal workloads this spring.

As part of the shuffle, pitchers Kameron Loe, Travis Hughes and Chris Young went from Frisco to Triple-A Oklahoma.

Kozlowski was claimed off waivers from the Rangers after the 2004 season, only to be dropped from the Reds’ 40-man roster last November. The 25-year-old was regarded as a very good prospect before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2003. He hasn’t been the same since, but a future as a reliever can’t be ruled out. The Dodgers will assign him to Double- or Triple-A.

It’s interesting that the Rangers are saving 40-man roster spots for some of their low-upside arms as opposed to Kozlowski and Colby Lewis. Kozlowski, who made it from Single-A to the majors in 2002, struggled this year while trying to work his way back from Tommy John surgery. He may still have No. 3-starter potential, so this is a nice pickup by Reds GM Dan O’Brien, who was the Rangers’ assistant GM when Kozlowski was drafted.

Kozlowski, one of the Rangers’ top prospects, has been struggling all season, giving up 71 hits and posting a 29/27 K/BB ratio in 54 2/3 innings. He won’t be making another appearance in the majors any time soon.

Kozlowski, claimed off waivers from the Rangers a year ago, went 6-7 with a 4.21 ERA, 181 H and 112/49 K/BB in 156 IP while making 20 starts for Double-A Chattanooga and eight for Triple-A Louisville last season. He hasn’t displayed the same kind of talent since undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2003.

In seven starts, Kozlowski, 22, is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA, and appears to have lost some velocity on his fastball. Assistant GM Grady Fuson says the team is not concerned about their prospect, noting that he will probably stay at Frisco most of the season.

Kozlowski, who was removed from the 40-man roster on Friday, will have to accept the assignment. He’ll get an invitation to spring training, but he’ll probably be a part of Louisville’s rotation next season.

Kozlowski, claimed off waivers from the Rangers in October, is 1-0 with a 2.62 ERA, 32 H and 32/8 K/BB in 34 1/3 IP. He might return to the majors in the second half of the season.