Rangers' Tanner Scheppers: Diagnosed with abdominal strain

Scheppers was diagnosed with a left abdominal strain and was sent for further evaluations, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

Analysis:

The team isn't ruling out a sports hernia, a condition which would set him back for at least a month. Regardless, Scheppers' status for Opening Day is certainly in jeopardy and could open up a larger bullpen role for Alex Claudio or Nick Martinez. Upcoming tests should provide a better estimate as to the extent of the injury.