http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/archives/2010/08/rangers_call_up_alex_cora_desi.html

Called up Alex Cora.

Are you serious? Did that really happen? What's today? I feel like I'm being lied to.

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Nippert (back) is expected to be activated from the disabled list and start Tuesday against the Angels, MLBlogs reports.  Vicente Padilla was scheduled to start Tuesday, but will have his start pushed back a day or two as he continues to battle right shoulder soreness. Nippert has been sharp throughout his minor league rehab assignment, posting a 2.55 ERA in five games. He's been on the disabled list the entire year.  The Rangers said they don't expect him to need a trip to the disabled list, but this is the second time in the last week that Padilla has been bumped back. Right now, the plan is for him to pitch Wednesday or Thursday, but it will all depend on how his shoulder feels.

Who gets removed from the 40 for Nippert?

I would have to guess that the Rangers will hope Millwood is one of their top three starters next season.  I am wondering though, what if he continues next year pitching the same way he has the past couple years?  Millwood's '10 season becomes guaranteed if he pitches 180 innings next year.  If he is somehow pitching with an ERA around 5, but is on pace to hit 180 innings, what do the Rangers do?  Is it possible they release him to make sure that they are not stuck with that contract another year, do they tell Wash to not let him pitch deep, or just hope that he doesn't hit the 180 innings mark?  By my count, we have at least 8 other pitchers that could pick up the slack if we released him mid-season (Disclaimer: HUGE assumption that at least 5 are healthy): Padilla, Feldman, Hurley, Mendoza, McCarthy, Harrison, Mathis, Murray.  This is also assuming that we don't get at least one other starter this off-season by way of trade or free-agent signing.  This discussion might be a little pre-mature, but with these alternatives available do you think the front office would let Millwood pitch the entire year if he has an ERA around 5, or do you think they would release him to ensure that he doesn't guarantee his contract for 2010?