Hauschild, Alvarez bullpen options with Scheppers out

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Right-hander Mike Hauschild and left-hander Dario Álvarez could be headed for the Opening Day roster in an eight-man bullpen now that Tanner Scheppers is sidelined with a strained abdominal muscle.
Alvarez would give the Rangers a second left-hander out of the bullpen to go along with Alex Claudio. Hauschild, a Rule 5 Draft pick from the Astros, would give the Rangers a true middle/long reliever ahead of their power right-handed relievers.
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Scheppers underwent an MRI on Saturday and the Rangers were waiting for Dr. Keith Meister to read the results. But with nine days to go before Opening Day, any delay is not good for Scheppers. He had to come out of Friday's outing against the Padres when he felt discomfort in his lower core, and the initial diagnosis was an abdominal strain.
"There is always concern when a player has to come off a mound in the middle of the game," assistant general manager Mike Daly said. "It's just a tough break for Tanner."
The Rangers could open the season with an eight-man bullpen and six spots are taken with closer Sam Dyson, right-handers Matt Bush, Tony Barnette, Keone Kela and Jeremy Jeffress, and Claudio from the left side.

Hauschild and Alvarez have pitched their way into strong contention this spring.
Hauschild has been used as both a starter and a reliever, and so far has been better out of the bullpen. Hauschild has thrown eight scoreless innings as a reliever, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out nine. He has a 5.79 ERA in three starts.
If the Rangers choose not to keep Hauschild on the 25-man roster, he first goes through waivers and other teams can claim him on Rule 5 conditions. If he clears waivers, he must be offered back to the Astros.
"Hopefully I have put myself in a good spot," Hauschild said. "I'm just trying not to put too much on pressure on myself. When I was picked, [pitching coach Doug Brocail] said I was picked for a reason. Just do the best of my ability."
Alvarez would fulfill the Rangers desire to have a second left-hander to go with Claudio. That was their hope when they acquired him from the Braves on July 27 of last season.
Over 36 Major League appearances, Alvarez has struck out 12.51 batters per nine innings, fourth-best among all active pitchers with at least 30 innings pitched. He has struck out eight in 9 1/3 innings in the Cactus League and had a 0.96 ERA going into Saturday's outing against the Mariners.
Nothing has been officially decided. Right-hander José Leclerc is also still in camp, another hard-throwing right-handed short reliever. Nick Martinez, Eddie Gamboa and Dillon Gee could also be used as long relievers if they don't make the rotation.