Tanner Scheppers to start for Frisco Saturday

FRISCO, TEXAS (MAY 24, 2014) - Rangers right-handed pitcher and former Frisco RoughRider Tanner Scheppers will make a rehab start for the 'Riders in their game against the Springfield Cardinals Saturday, May 24 at Dr Pepper Ballpark.

Scheppers is expected to pitch one inning in his first outing at any level since April 17. The Rangers placed their 2014 Opening Day starter on the DL with right elbow inflammation on April 18. 

First pitch in the series opener against Springfield is at 7:05 p.m. and tickets for the contest remain available. Fans may purchase tickets at the Dr Pepper Ballpark box office, by calling (972) 334-1900 or by visiting www.RidersBaseball.com.  

The highest draft selection signed by the Rangers in 2009, Scheppers, 27, made four starts Texas this season and went to the disabled list with a 0-1 record and a 9.82 ERA. In his first season as a starter at the big league level, the former supplemental first round draft pick allowed 20 runs on 27 hits through 18 1/3 innings with eight walks and 13 strikeouts.

The 6-foot-4 200-pound hurler made his major league debut on June 7, 2012. In his first full big league season, Scheppers enjoyed a breakout campaign and set a Rangers club record for appearances by a right-hander (76) and tied the team mark for holds in a single season (27). He finished 2013 with a 6-2 record and a 1.88 ERA.

Scheppers, a native of Mission Viejo, Calif., made 23 appearances with the RoughRiders over two seasons (2010-11). In 2010, Scheppers pitched 11 innings over six games and allowed one run on three hits with no walks and 19 strikeouts (0.82 ERA). In 17 relief appearances the following season, he posted a 2-1 record and a 3.13 ERA over 23 innings. Scheppers surrendered ten runs (eight earned) on 18 hits with nine walks and 24 strikeouts. 

The RoughRiders are in the midst of a six-game home stand that continues through Monday, May 26. For information on how to see the RoughRiders in 2014, please call (972) 731-9200, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.RidersBaseball.com. 

About the RoughRiders

The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team has finished first among all Double-A minor league teams in attendance each season from 2005 - 2013. The RoughRiders are owned by Mandalay Sports Entertainment, winners of the "Baseball Organization of the Year" in 2008 by Ballpark Digest. For more information on Mandalay Baseball Properties, the Frisco RoughRiders, and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please contact Alex Vispoli at (972) 334-1976 or via email at [email protected].