Report: Rangers option Ranaudo to Triple-A; Scheppers to return Friday

Anthony Ranaudo sputtered in Wednesday's spot start for the Texas Rangers, and the 25-year-old right-hander was promptly optioned to Triple-A following his disastrous outing against the Los Angeles Angels, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan.

Ranaudo was recalled from Triple-A Round Rock to start Wednesday after a shoulder strain felled Derek Holland, but the Rangers are expected to activate Tanner Scheppers from the disabled list Friday to fill the fifth spot in the rotation. Acquired from the Boston Red Sox this winter, Ranaudo lasted just 1 2/3 innings Wednesday at Globe Life Park, allowing six earned runs on six hits and two walks in his debut with the Rangers.

Scheppers, meanwhile, opened the season on the disabled list after suffering a sprained ankle in March. The 28-year-old made four starts and four relief appearances for Texas last season, fashioning a 9.00 ERA with a 1.78 WHIP in 23 innings.