Rangers RHP Michael Lorenzen will start on Saturday ... for Triple-A Round Rock

ARLINGTON — Michael Lorenzen will make his first start as member of the Texas Rangers organization on Saturday ... for Triple-A Round Rock.

Lorenzen, who officially went on the IL with neck stiffness ahead of the season opener, will begin a rehab assignment with Round Rock that should put him on schedule to be activated on April 9, the first day he is eligible. Lorenzen is expected to throw three innings against Sugar Land of the Houston organization Saturday, then make another start on April 4. He would likely go four innings in that outing.

The Rangers host Oakland on April 9. Of course, everything with the Rangers’ rotation is fluid right now. Considering a starter in 10 days is quite a chore, since manager Bruce Bochy wasn’t even able to commit to a starter for Saturday’s game against the Cubs.

Lorenzen signed a one-year deal with the Rangers last Friday and threw a 28-pitch live BP session on Wednesday. He had some minor neck stiffness upon arriving at camp. He had been tentatively scheduled to pitch in one of the exhibition games against Boston earlier this week, but with the neck stiffness, the Rangers decided to be more cautious.

Round Rock is the only Rangers’ minor league affiliate playing this weekend. Right-hander Owen White will start the season opener for the Express on Friday against Sugar Land.

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