Former 'Dad Ross to Debut with Rangers

Former Crawdads pitcher Robbie Ross used a strong spring to pry his way into an opening day roster spot with the Texas Rangers. In doing so, Ross becomes the 103rd former Hickory Crawdad to receive a promotion to the major leagues.

Over nine appearances this spring, Ross, the Rangers' second round pick in 2008 out of Lexington (KY) Christian Academy, allowed only two runs on ten hits and a walk over 12 innings while striking out 11 batters.

Ross was a member of the 2010 starting rotation in Hickory. In 16 starts, he was 8-7 with a 2.59 ERA, striking out 62 and walking 20 over 94 innings pitched before receiving a promotion to High A-Bakersfield. His best start that season came on June 1 when he pitched one-hit baseball over eight innings. He was named the starting pitcher for the Northern Division in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game.

He becomes the second member of the 2010 Crawdads team to make it to the major leagues (Josh Lueke debuted in 2011).

Ross and the Rangers begin the 2012 American League season when they host the Chicago White Sox on Friday, April 6th.