Joe Saunders (ankle) will throw three innings and/or 50 pitches Friday in an extended spring training game.

Saunders felt some renewed pain in his left ankle during a bullpen session earlier this month but is ready to ramp things back up again. He should be ready for activated in early May but might not have a rotation spot waiting for him.

Joe Saunders felt some renewed pain in his left ankle during a bullpen session on Wednesday.

He threw a successful bullpen on Monday, but Wednesday's didn't go so well. He'll take a few days off from throwing before testing the ankle out again. It may compromise his ability to be back with the Rangers by the end of the month, but he shouldn't be too far behind the original timetable.

Joe Saunders (ankle) threw a successful bullpen session Monday.

He'll throw another 'pen session Wednesday before being tested with some fielding drills. Saunders should be ready to rejoin the Rangers before the end of the month.

Rangers placed LHP Joe Saunders on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 5.

Saunders suffered a bruised ankle when he was hit by a comebacker in his start on Friday. In a corresponding move, the Rangers have recalled RHP Daniel McCutchen from Double-A Frisco.

Joe Saunders was blasted for seven runs in 4 1/3 innings by the Astros on Saturday.

Saunders is in the Texas rotation, but probably not for long, with Yu Darvish, Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison all likely reentering the mix in April. Stay far, far away.

Joe Saunders has won a spot in the Rangers' starting rotation.

Well, "won" is probably too generous of a term, as Saunders owns a 9.72 ERA this spring. Still, the Rangers need warm bodies for their rotation and the veteran left-hander certainly qualifies. He doesn't have any fantasy value, though.

Joe Saunders was pummeled in Sunday's loss to the Padres, giving up nine runs (four earned) on eight hits in only 1 1/3 innings.

Saunders also walked a pair without recording a strikeout. Despite his 9.72 ERA on the spring, he's still in the running for the final vacancy in the Rangers rotation, but shouldn't be an option in mixed leagues.

Joe Saunders said Sunday that he's currently dealing with the "dead arm" phase of spring training.

The veteran southpaw still feels confident, noting that the Rangers know full well what he's capable of. He's currently battling with Colby Lewis and a host of other candidates to begin the season as the fifth starter in the Rangers rotation.

Joe Saunders allowed four runs (three earned) in three innings of work during Tuesday's start against the White Sox.

Saunders, making his Cactus League debut, allowed six hits including a solo home run to Gordon Beckham. The lefty struck out four and didn't issue a walk. The Rangers, in need of a capable arm at the back end of their rotation, added Saunders on a one-year deal last week.

Joe Saunders is guaranteed $500,000 in his contract with the Rangers.

If Saunders makes the team, he'll receive a $1.5 million salary with the chance for more in bonuses. The veteran southpaw will compete with Alexi Ogando, Colby Lewis, Tommy Hanson, and Nick Tepesch for one of the final two spots in the starting rotation.

Rangers signed LHP Joe Saunders to a one-year contract.

Terms of the deal aren't yet known. With Derek Holland (knee) out until midseason and Matt Harrison behind schedule due to a back injury, Saunders will give the Rangers some rotation depth. The veteran lefty had an ugly 5.26 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 32 starts with the Mariners and would appear to be a very poor fit in Texas. Still, it looks like he has a decent chance to begin the year in the rotation.

Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports that the Rangers are expected to sign left-hander Joe Saunders.

Saunders worked out for the Rangers last week and the team apparently liked what they saw. No word yet on if he'll receive a guaranteed major league deal, but he figures to be in the mix for a rotation spot to begin the year. The veteran lefty had an ugly 5.26 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 32 starts with the Mariners last year.

Darren Wolfson of 1500 ESPN reports that the Twins are showing interest in free agent hurler Joe Saunders.

The interest on the Twins part is said only to be if Saunders is willing to accept a minimal deal. With the lack of quality depth in their rotation, it certainly wouldn't be a bad gamble on the Twins part, and pitching in the friendly confines of Target Field could be a good chance for Saunders to rebuild his depressed value.

The Rangers brought in Joe Saunders for a workout Wednesday, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.

No deal was reached, and Grant said it's unclear whether the team will bring the southpaw aboard. The Rangers could use another starter option, even after receiving good news about Matt Harrison, and will likely continue to keep their eyes open to possibilities. Saunders, 32, had a 5.26 ERA and 1.60 WHIP last season with the Mariners.

FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports the Orioles are talking with free agent Joe Saunders.

Saunders pitched briefly with the O's in 2012 before spending last season with the Mariners. With Seattle, Saunders made 32 starts, posting a 5.26 ERA and 1.60 WHIP. The 32-year-old is one of a number of starters the Orioles have shown interest in this offseason.

Craig Landis, the agent for Joe Saunders, told FOX Sports' Jon Morosi that his client plans to pitch in 2014.

The Mariners declined a $6.5 million option on Saunders after the 2013 campaign and he has struggled to attract offers this winter. The veteran left-hander posted a rough 5.26 ERA in 32 starts for Seattle last year and owns a 4.30 ERA in 1,344 1/3 career major league frames.

Mariners declined LHP Joe Saunders' $6.5 million option for 2014.

The left-hander suffered through a disappointing 2013 campaign, putting up a 5.26 ERA over 32 starts. Despite the awful showing, Saunders should be able to find a spot at the back-end of someone's rotation next season. He just might not get $6.5 million again.

Joe Saunders isn't expected to make another start this season.

"As of right now, that's what we're looking at," said Mariners manager Eric Wedge. Saunders was tagged for six runs over seven innings Saturday against the Angels and will finish the year with a 5.26 ERA over 32 starts. His contract includes a mutual option for 2014, but the Mariners are likely to decline.

Joe Saunders allowed just one (unearned) run over 5 1/3 innings Saturday in a 3-1 win over the Astros.

Saunders gave up six hits and walked three, but he had little trouble navigating out of tight spots against the punchless Houston offense. The left-hander is now 11-13 with a 4.92 ERA, 1.58 WHIP and 87/56 K/BB ratio in 162 2/3 innings this season. He'll get the Royals in KC next.

Joe Saunders yielded seven runs on nine hits over seven innings Monday in a loss to the Rangers.

Saunders failed to strike out a batter for the first time since... two starts ago. The left-hander has been imploding under the bright lights like he's Miley Cyrus consistently over the last month. Since July 19, Saunders is 2-5 with a 7.38 ERA and 24/20 K/BB ratio in 42 2/3 innings over seven starts. Keep him out of fantasy lineups.