Ross confident he'll help Rangers during stretch run

The Texas Rangers are looking at their latest free-agent addition as a weapon of sorts that should be able to help the team win games in the most important stretch of the season.

After officially signing right-hander Tyson Ross to a one-year, $6-million deal Thursday, the talented 29-year-old touched on his recovery from thoracic outlet syndrome, which is expected to keep him out of action past the start of the season.

"I don’t know what the date is going to be, but I’m totally confident that not only will I be ready but I’ll be back at 100 percent and be able to help this ballclub win some games down the stretch," Ross told Jeff Wilson of the Star Telegram.

"My recovery is going well thus far. I’ve been throwing. I’m working out four days in a week in addition with exercises at home and coming into the facility down here. I’m getting back in shape, I’m feeling good and I’m optimistic."

Ross, who was considered one of the best free-agent starters available despite the injury, allowed general manager Jon Daniels to add quality depth to a starting rotation that includes Yu Darvish, Cole Hamels, and Andrew Cashner.

"I'm excited to bring him on board, a process a couple years in the making," Daniels said. "When he became available this offseason he was a priority for us. We know full well what he’s capable of doing on the field. After all of our due diligence, we feel like he’s on a pace to really help us this year."

After one start last season, Ross was shut down and eventually underwent surgery Oct. 13. When healthy, he was the San Diego Padres' most effective starter, pitching to a 3.07 ERA, 3.13 FIP, and 6.7 WAR in three years.