Rangers bring Tomko back to major leagues

Right-hander Brett Tomko is back in the major leagues for the first time since 2009, returning to where he pitched his last game.

The Rangers purchased Tomko's contract Wednesday from Triple-A Round Rock. Texas plans to use him as a long reliever, and he was in uniform for the series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.

The last time Tomko pitched in the major leagues was at Rangers Ballpark on Sept. 14, 2009, when he threw a five-hit shutout for Oakland against Texas. He also felt a pop in his arm in the ninth inning, but finished that game before it was determined he had a nerve problem.

''Driving back in here, it was strange, it was surreal,'' Tomko said. ''It's been an interesting journey to get back here over the last year and a half. I'm pretty excited.''

The Rangers are the 10th major league team for the 38-year-old Tomko, who made his major league debut with Cincinnati in 1997. Tomko went to spring training this year on a minor league deal with the Rangers, and is appreciative to have another chance in the majors

''Probably more than I could ever put into words,'' Tomko said. ''I told (Rangers manager Ron) Washington when they sent me down, that I want to be there as much as I think I ever have, probably more than I ever wanted to get to the big leagues in the first place.''

Texas also recalled catcher Taylor Teagarden from Round Rock, put rookie right-hander Mason Tobin on the 60-day disabled list and optioned left-hander Michael Kirkman to Round Rock.

Tobin, who had Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in 2009, came out of Tuesday night's game against the Angels after only four batters because of pain in his elbow. Initial results from an MRI exam Wednesday showed inflammation in the ligament.

The Rangers got Tobin in the Rule 5 draft last December and he made the major league roster in spring training.

Kirkman took over for Tobin in the 15-4 loss, and allowed six runs in 1 2-3 innings. It was his only appearance this year for the Rangers after posting a 1.65 ERA in 14 appearances late last season.

Tomko, who spent last season in the Athletics organization, lost both of his starts and had a 6.35 ERA in 11 1-3 innings at Round Rock.

''I felt like I was throwing the ball really well. The numbers are what they are,'' Tomko said. ''Stuff-wise, I feel good.''

Tomko is 100-102 with a 4.65 ERA in 389 games, including 266 starts, over 13 seasons.

He went through numerous tests to determine the cause of his nerve problem, and doctors said it wasn't anything that could be corrected by surgery. The best description of what he still feels is ''like a sunburn'' on the bottom of his right arm. There are tingles at times, but he said ''in a game, it's great.''

Tomko isn't worried about his role for the Rangers. He just wants to pitch.

''Whenever they tell you to go out there and pitch, you take the ball and once you get going, you get going,'' he said. ''I think I'm too far along in my career to really worry about the role and what it is. My goal was after the injury to come back to help whatever staff I can be on in whatever way I can.''

Also Wednesday, former NL Cy Young Award winner Brandon Webb threw another batting practice session for the Rangers in his comeback from shoulder surgery that has kept him out since the 2009 season opener for Arizona.

Webb, who signed a free-agent deal with Texas this winter, has been making steady progress. The BP session Wednesday came at least a day earlier than previously scheduled and three days after a 72-pitch bullpen session.

''It went good,'' Webb said. ''It was OK. I wouldn't say it was unbelievable, but definitely better than last time.''

Webb wasn't sure what the next step would be. There could be more throwing workouts in Arlington, or he could be sent to Arizona to pitch in extended spring training games.