Rangers manager Ron Washington announced Saturday that Alexi Ogando will work out of a setup role in the Rangers bullpen.

Ogando entered camp as a favorite to begin the season in the Rangers rotation, but struggled with a 6.35 ERA, 2.12 WHIP and 9/4 K/BB ratio in his 11 1/3 innings. He'll share the setup role presumably with Neftali Feliz.

T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports that Alexi Ogando could get bumped to the bullpen.

Texas needs to identify a long reliever and Ogando has inexplicably thrown his hat into the ring by getting abused to the tune of 11 runs over 6 1/3 innings in his last two starts. The right-hander was removed in awkward fashion from his last start, as his skipper sent him out for the fourth inning only to yank Ogando after a few warmup pitches. "We messed up and forgot to tell him he wasn't supposed to go back out there," Ron Washington said. "Blame it on me." Said Ogando: "I wanted to keep pitching." The race for the final three spots in the rotation will come down to righties Ogando, Colby Lewis, Tanner Scheppers, Tommy Hanson, and southpaws Joe Saunders and Robbie Ross.

The Rangers said that Alexi Ogando left Tuesday's outing against the Cubs because he was nearing his pitch count.

It's a little hard to believe given that Ogando went out to warm up for the fourth inning and then was greeted by the trainer before walking off. He did throw 78 pitches over the first three frames, so his night surely was nearing an end. Ogando is expected to crack the Rangers' Opening Day roster if he is indeed healthy.

Alexi Ogando was roughed up by the Angels in Wednesday's start, allowing five runs in 3 1/3 innings.

Ogando issued two walks and gave up five hits, including a three-run home run to Collin Cowgill in the third inning, part of a five-run outburst. Ogando hasn't been very sharp this spring. The Rangers, in desperate need of solid starting pitching, need a healthy and productive season from Ogando, something he hasn't had since 2011.

Alexi Ogando allowed one unearned run in three innings of work in Thursday's start against the Padres.

Ogando allowed five hits but was able to stay out of trouble for the most part. He battled biceps and shoulder issues last season. If he can stay healthy, he should be a solid #3 for the Rangers.

Alexi Ogando struggled in his Cactus League debut against the Royals on Friday, surrendering a pair of runs on four hits over his two innings of work.

Ogando struck out one without walking a batter in the game, throwing only 19 of his 34 pitches for strikes. The damage against him came on a two-run double by Mike Moustakas in the second frame. He's always had a live arm and upside in the strikeout department, but inconsistent command and injury risk continue to keep Ogando's price down in fantasy drafts.

Rangers avoided arbitration with RHP Alexi Ogando by agreeing to a one-year, $2.625 million contract.

It's a nice raise for Ogando, who was arbitration-eligible for the first time. The 30-year-old posted a 3.11 ERA over 104 1/3 innings in 2013 and is expected to be used in a starting role in 2014.

Alexi Ogando gave up three runs over 5 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Angels on Friday.

Ogando allowed eight hits and three walks, but managed to keep the Rangers in the game. The 29-year-old has been solid when healthy this year, posting a 3.04 ERA and 72/39 K/BB ratio over 103 2/3 innings. He should be worth a late-round flier in mixed leagues if he has a rotation spot in 2014.

Alexi Ogando allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings Sunday against the Royals.

Ogando was slated to throw 80-85 pitches today, so he couldn't be penciled in for more than six innings at the most. Instead, he got through seven in just 77 pitches in his second start back in the rotation. Since coming off the DL, he's allowed one run and five hits in 18 innings.

Alexi Ogando allowed one run on two hits over five innings in a win over the Rays on Tuesday.

Ogando was making his first start since August 13, as he'd been pitching in relief since returning from the disabled list in early September. It was a good one, as he gave up just a solo home run to Jose Lobaton for the only Rays run on the night. He'll continue to get stretched out -- he needed just 69 pitches to get through those five innings -- and should get a few more starts before the season ends. His next should come Sunday at the Royals.

Alexi Ogando will start Tuesday's game against the Rays.

Nick Tepesch was the other option, but the Rangers will give Ogando a shot in what will be his first start since August 13. He'll be limited to 3-4 innings, so Tepesch will probably wind up pitching, anyway. Ogando can be avoided for streaming purposes.

Alexi Ogando could be an option to enter the Rangers' rotation next Tuesday when they need a fifth starter.

The Rangers had indicated that Ogando would likely be used as a reliever down the stretch simply because they wouldn't have time to stretch him out. But Ogando has thrown 2 1/3 scoreless relief innings since returning and it's possible the club will reverse course and make him the fifth starter. "I wouldn't be shocked if Ogando starts a game and I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't start a game," manager Ron Washington said. "Ogando has always been a candidate to start, but he just came off the disabled list. He's got to face hitters and then we'll make a decision."

Alexi Ogando is likely to be used as a reliever down the stretch.

The Rangers said last month that they still viewed Ogando as a starter, but that's evidently changed, at least when it pertains to this season. The club has used Travis Blackley in the fifth spot lately but could turn to Nick Tepesch on Sunday.

Rangers activated RHP Alexi Ogando from the 15-day disabled list.

Ogando isn't expected to rejoin the rotation until sometime next week, but the Rangers went ahead and activated him from the DL. The right-hander has been out since August 20 with shoulder inflammation, which was the second occasion he's missed time with shoulder issues.

Alexi Ogando (shoulder) is likely to return next week.

Ogando is set to throw a bullpen session on Monday and live batting practice later this week. He won't be able to make a minor league rehab start because the Rangers' affiliates are just about done for the year. Ogando has been out since August 20 with shoulder inflammation.

Alexi Ogando (shoulder) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday.

If all goes well, he could progress to a minor league rehab start on Monday. He's been sidelined since August 20 due to inflammation in his shoulder, and should be able to rejoin the Rangers rotation in early September.

Alexi Ogando (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session this weekend.

It will be the first time he's thrown from the bump since he landed on the DL a week ago. Despite a shoulder issue that's sidelined him twice this season, the Rangers still plan to use Ogando in a starting role when he returns. If all goes well, he should be back not long into September.

Alexi Ogando (shoulder) is expected to resume a throwing program next week.

Ogando has been shut down since being placed on the DL Tuesday with shoulder inflammation. The Rangers have yet to set a timetable for his return.

Rangers placed RHP Alexi Ogando on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

Ogando was scratched from his scheduled Monday start against the Astros and wasn't feeling much better on Tuesday. He underwent a CT scan earlier this week that was supposed to be reviewed by Dr. James Andrews. The Rangers should have an exact diagnosis on him soon.

Alexi Ogando (shoulder) has been scratched from his scheduled start Monday against the Astros.

Ogando was diagnosed earlier this week with nerve inflammation in his right shoulder. He underwent a CT scan which is being reviewed by Dr. James Andrews. It's not certain when Ogando will be able to pitch again. Matt Garza will jump up a day and start Monday vs. Houston.