Barnette's return looms after BP session

ARLINGTON -- Rangers pitchers Tony Barnette and Tim Lincecum threw an inning of batting practice Tuesday. It could be the last step for Barnette before being activated off the disabled list on Friday.
Barnette hasn't pitched since April 14 because of inflammation in his right shoulder but had no issues on Tuesday.
"It went well," Barnette said. "It was good to see some hitters. Everything came out free and easy. We are on the right track. Shoulder felt good. Haven't felt any tightness since we treated it. It was a quick fix, fortunate for that."
Barnette is eligible to come off the DL Wednesday but the Rangers want to see how he recovers from this session and will likely hold off making a decision until Friday.
"All reports are he threw the ball well and felt good," manager Jeff Banister said. "We'll see how he is, but I don't think tomorrow is realistic."
Lincecum, who signed with the Rangers on March 7, has a much longer road. This was the first time he has faced hitters since Spring Training and he began the season on the disabled list because of a blister on his right middle finger. The Rangers have since put him on the 60-day disabled list to avoid rushing him back and he is not eligible to come off until May 28.

"This is my Spring Training, I'm going to make the most of it," Lincecum said. "I threw 22 pitches, and worked on all my pitches. It was nice to see hitters. I can't remember my last live batting practice. It went good."
Concern for Claudio
Has the American League caught up to Alex Claudio? The Rangers soft-tossing left-hander has allowed a .400 opposing batting average in his first 13 games and a 1.97 WHIP. His ERA is 7.59. He had a 2.50 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and a .259 opponents batting average in 70 games last year.
That's something the Rangers have to ponder when they make a roster move on Wednesday and activate Doug Fister off the disabled list. The Rangers also have Barnette returning on Friday and Claudio still has one Minor League option left.

"You talk about adjustments, player shows up, the league makes an adjustment, player makes an adjustment, it's that back-and-forth game," Banister said. "Claudio threw quite a few games last year in big situations and identified himself as a player in this league. Hitters pay attention, and he is one of the guys they focus in on. They have seen him.
"Part of the process for him is what can he do to punch back. For a guy who is more finesse than power, execution of pitches, he has to have it at a high rate. Feel for pitches is a premium."
Rangers tickets, Bush ball up for auction
Four tickets to a Rangers game and an autographed baseball signed by former President George W. Bush are among the items being currently auctioned off on MLB.com. Bush was the Rangers' managing general partner from 1989-94 before becoming governor of Texas and President of the United States.
Major League Baseball (MLB) umpires will offer up more than 300 items that include priceless autographed sports memorabilia, one-of-a-kind VIP experiences, and upgraded ticket packages during its 10th Annual UMPS CARE Charities Online Auction. The auction is currently underway at www.mlb.com/UmpsCare and closes at 10 p.m. EDT Monday. Some of the items up for bid include signed bats, cleats, jerseys, photos, and baseballs from some of the biggest stars in baseball. There are also opportunities to watch batting practice on the field at many MLB ballparks, hotel stays with game tickets, opportunities to have lunch with an MLB umpire, suites and tickets from Minor League Baseball clubs, golf foursomes and more.  
All proceeds from the online auction support UMPS CARE Charities youth programs to provide Major League Baseball experiences for children awaiting adoption, Build-A-Bear Workshop® experiences for hospitalized children coping with serious illnesses, college scholarships for deserving young adults who were adopted as children and financial assistance for families in need. 
"Each year, thanks to the support from our friends in Major League Baseball and throughout the sports world, we get some fantastic items for our auction, and this year is no exception," said Gary Darling, former MLB umpire and board president for UMPS CARE Charities. "This is the biggest fundraising initiative that we have to help so many children in need, and we can't thank everyone enough for all of the support. Please tell all of your friends, bid early and bid often to help this great cause."
Rangers beat
• Joey Gallo was in the lineup on Tuesday despite dealing with a contusion on his right hand. Gallo had a bandage on the hand, the result of a slide on his second-inning steal on Monday night.

• The Rangers were 8-16 going into Tuesday's game, and Banister pointed out that's the same record they held after 24 games in 2015. The Rangers went on to win the division that year, but only after acquiring pitcher Cole Hamels at the trade deadline.
"The greatest asset we have right now is having veteran players who have experience and been through this before," Banister said. "That's invaluable."
•: An infield single by Jean Segura in Sunday's game between the Rangers and the Mariners has been changed to an error on shortstop Jurickson Profar.