The Rangers are stretching out 12 pitchers in preparation to start this season.

There will be as many as eight pitchers competing for the fifth spot in the rotation when pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12.

Four of the spots in the rotation are set -- Matt Harrison, Yu Darvish, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando.

Mike Maddux has seven identified competitors in Robbie Ross, Martin Perez, Justin Grimm, Kyle McClellan, Randy Wells, Cody Buckel and Nick Tepesch. One more pitcher will be stretched out as a starter, but Maddux is leaving that spot open.