SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers are easing Brandon Webb into a routine.
While most of the Rangers' pitchers are throwing off a mound every two days and throwing some pitches to live hitters, Brandon Webb is going to throw off a mound every three days and not pitch to live hitting yet.
"This is a guy that hasn't thrown for two years," said pitching coach Mike Maddux, referring to the fact that Webb pitched four big league innings the past two seasons and had shoulder surgery in 2009. "We don't want to put the cart before the horse with him. We're going to take our time. We have to build some strength."
Webb threw for about eight minutes on Thursday and will throw long toss on Friday and Saturday before climbing back on a mound Sunday. Maddux said he just wanted to take a look at Webb and see his mechanics and how he looked on Thursday. Manager Ron Washington also kept a watchful eye.
Maddux said Webb's schedule for spring training games could be adjusted as well. The pitching coach added that just because Webb is on a slower schedule doesn't mean he won't be ready to join the rotation in Opening Day.
At one point during the session, Maddux gave Webb an adjustment to try to keep him from "flying open."
"Mechanically, he's rusty," Maddux said. "He's inconsistent with his delivery right now and he's got to put together some swing thoughts to tighten the ship on that. We went over some things and got a brief look."
Webb said he felt good after the session but that he has to fight the tendency for his arm to get ahead of his body. It's something he'll address more on Sunday.