Texas left-hander Matt Harrison, who is trying to pitch again after having spinal fusion surgery, got good news over the holidays as he was cleared to start a throwing program.
Harrison, who had his back examined by back specialist Dr. Drew Dossett two weeks ago, is slated to start throwing again in two weeks.
Harrison pitched in just four games for the Rangers this season. He was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and had spinal fusion surgery June 3 in a procedure that fused the L5 and S1 disks.
The procedure has left Harrison's spine about 85 percent fused. That number should be near 100 percent between nine to 12 months following the surgery.
While Harrison has been cleared to throw, there is no set timetable for him to return to the Rangers and there are still no guarantees he'll pitch in a game. His goal is to start pitching in rehab games in May with hopes of returning to the Rangers in June.
Harrison, 29, has pitched in just six games for the Rangers in the last two years because of back issues that have resulted in three surgeries. He signed a five year, $55-million deal after winning 18 games and making the All-Star team in 2012.
