Carlos

Almanzar

''GM Jim Bowden is handling Manzanillo,’' director of player development Tim Naehring said. ''It sounds like he may come back. I’ve talked to Almanzar and his agent. He’s ready to shut it down for the year.’'

The Rangers are just being cautious with their young right-hander. Almanzar may be able to pitch some time later this week.

Apparently, both pitchers were upset that Todd Van Poppel was promoted and they were passed over this week. Almanzar has an argument, as he has a 3.31 ERA for Louisville. Manzanillo made the Reds out of spring training, was unimpressive before getting sent down and has a 4.18 ERA for Louisville.

Almanzar, who underwent Tommy John surgery last season, is still at least a month away from providing help to the Braves’ bullpen.

Almanzar will send the next week and a half in extended spring training. He should be ready to take over as Louisville’s closer in mid-April.

Almanzar is awaiting an appeal from his suspension for his part in the melee that took place in the Rangers’ bullpen in Oakland last week. Somebody better calm him down before he loses it completely.

He has some tightness his his right forearm and will undergo an MRI today to determine the cause.

“We hold out hope on that. We’ll see,” manager Buck Showalter said.

Almanzar has not thrown since Tuesday due to tightness in his right forearm, so it unknown if he will be able to pitch today. With Doug Brocail starting his suspension, the Rangers need Almanzar down the stretch so we will see when he is able to come back.

Almanzar has a tender right elbow and had a second MRI last night to see why the joint has continued to bother him despite over a week’s worth of rest.