Rangers GM Jon Daniels has big expectations for Matt Harrison (back, shoulder) in 2014. Harrison made just two starts in 2013 before going under the knife to repair a herniated disc in his back. "I think he's a big key for us," Daniels said during a radio appearance. "The year before was a 220-inning workhouse. He was huge for the team. When you look at the profile in our ballpark of a left-hander who keeps the ball on the ground, really utilizes the strength of our team with Elvis [Andrus] and [Adrian] Beltre on the left side, you knew every fifth day that he was going to go out there and compete and keep us in the game and more often than not win it. ... Kevin Harmon, our trainer, went out and visited him in Carolina earlier this winter, and we've been getting reports back since, and knock on wood, so far, so good." Harrison expects to be ready for spring training.

Matt Harrison (back, shoulder) will begin a throwing program on December 1. Harrison is coming back from dual back surgeries, as well as an operation on his non-throwing shoulder, but he's coming along nicely and expects to be ready for spring training. "I feel good about starting the season as one of those five guys (in the rotation)," Harrison said.

Rangers activated LHP Matt Harrison from the 60-day disabled list. Harrison made just two starts in 2013 before going under the knife to repair a herniated disc in his back. The southpaw underwent a different operation -- to alleviate the thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder -- in September. That procedure was on Harrison's non-throwing shoulder, so he's expected to be 100-percent healthy heading into spring training in February.

Matt Harrison will undergo surgery on Monday to alleviate the thoracic outlet syndrome in his right shoulder. The operation in on Harrison's non-throwing shoulder, so it shouldn't effect his ability to be ready for the start of spring training next season. Harrison made just two starts in 2013 before going under the knife to repair a herniated disc in his back.

Matt Harrison has been shut down for the year. Concerns remain about the strength of Matt Harrison's surgically-repaired back and the Rangers don't want to risk long-term damage. Harrison will get some early rest and then aim for 100 percent health heading into spring training next February. He made two starts this year.

Matt Harrison was removed from Friday's minor league rehab start with Double-A Frisco due to numbness in his left hand. Harrison will be examined by team orthopedist Dr. Keith Meister before determining a course of action. He had been expected to return to the Rangers rotation at the end of August, though that could now be in jeopardy. The team should have an update on his status Saturday.

Matt Harrison (back) is expected to make at least three more minor league rehab starts. Harrison allowed just one run over 3 2/3 innings Sunday at Double-A Frisco, but the Rangers want to continue to work him back slowly. The left-hander has not pitched in a major league game since April 6 and has made only two total starts for the Rangers this season.

Matt Harrison (back) allowed one run over 3 2/3 innings in second rehab start Sunday for Double-A Frisco. Harrison was cleared for a rehab assignment Wednesday and hasn't had any setbacks. He'll likely need another 2-3 starts in the minors before he returns from the disabled list.

Matt Harrison (back) said he expects to begin a rehab assignment Wednesday. Harrison was the Rangers' Opening Day starter, but has been sidelined since late April after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. Assuming he avoids setbacks, he'll likely need four or five starts in the minors before he's cleared to return from the disabled list.

Matt Harrison (back) threw 50 pitches in a live batting practice on Saturday and could go on a rehab assignment soon. "That's what I would think and what I'm hoping," Harrison said of a rehab assignment. "I'm ready to get back into a game situation." The other option is for him to throw another batting practice session before being re-evaluated. Either way, it sounds like Harrison is getting close to game action in the near future. If he continues to progress, a return late next month looks promising.