Rangers Believe Michael Matuella’s Worth Waiting For

SURPRISE, Ariz.—The first-base dugout at Nolan Ryan Field at the Rangers’ training complex is a gathering spot each morning. It’s where manager Jeff Banister gives his daily press briefing.

On Feb. 20, though, Banister wasn’t the main attraction, and the popping of a catcher’s mitt just behind the dugout was the reason.

Righthander Michael Matuella, a 2015 third-round pick out of Duke, was on a mound for the first time since July after spraining his elbow ligament at short-season Spokane in his first game as a professional.

It’s the same elbow that required Tommy John surgery in 2014 and caused him to fall to the in the draft.

While excited to be throwing again, Matuella is trying to not get too far ahead of himself as he takes a conservative road back to game action.

“I’m able to keep my focus on the day-to-day,” said Matuella, 22. “I feel like I’m making a lot of progress. I would love to be out of here, obviously, as soon as spring training ends, but that’s totally up to them. I’m feeling really confident about the season.”

Matuella admitted that he has been frustrated many times during his rash of injuries, but each time he has been able to apply something positive while mending. He has learned about his body and about the grind of the pro game while rehabbing.

The Rangers haven’t pegged the day when Matuella will return, though it’s likely to be after the minor league season begins. It might not be until the short-season clubs open play.

“If there was no medical (history), he would be viewed as an advanced college pitcher who could advance quickly,” general manager Jon Daniels said.

“That’s not the reality. At this point it’s like, let him deal on field 12, with a little less pressure, and just take care of his body.”

RANGERS ROUNDUP

• Jose Luis Felomina, the Rangers’ area scout in Curacao who signed Jurickson Profar and his younger brother Juremi, passed away Feb. 23 after battling colon cancer the past two years. Felomina was just 50 years old.

• The Rangers signed outfielder Michael O’Neill, the son of former big leaguer Paul O’Neill, to a minor league deal. The Yankees selected him in the third round out of Michigan in 2013. The 24-year-old combined to bat .251 with three homers over 95 games last season in the Yankees system.

— Jeff Wilson covers the Rangers for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram