Jay

Powell

Powell is scheduled to pitch Tuesday in relief. If all goes well, he could rejoin the Rangers for next week’s trip to Toronto.

If Powell doesn’t appear as sharp today as he did in his first rehab appearance, he could remain in Frisco for one or two more outings.

Francisco Cordero and Jeff Nelson are the others. Powell entered camp fighting for a job and has allowed three runs in 4 1/3 innings, but it seems that Jeff Zimmerman’s injury has erased any possibility that the Rangers would eat his contract.

It could be another week before Powell will be healthy enough to rejoin the Rangers’ bullpen.

If there are no setbacks, Powell will likely go out on a short rehab assignment before returning to the Rangers’ bullpen at the begining of next month.

He will miss the rest of the season. Powell will likely not be back at full strength until the All-Star break next year.

Rangers’ doctors have already told Powell he will need the surgery. The Texas right-hander is just seeking a second opinion. It looks as if Powell may be done for the season.

Powell underwent Tommy John surgery last July, so he’s not going to be ready for the start of the season. He’ll stay in extended spring training and get assigned to Double-A Mississippi once he’s ready to work in games. Maybe he’ll be of some use to the Braves after the All-Star break.

Powell allowed two hits, but struck out five of the six men he retired. Powell sounds strong. He should be able to help the Texas bullpen shortly.