Just the other day, technically-but-not-really Texas Ranger Brandon Webb made his first official minor league rehab start. After a few outings in extended spring training, Webb threw for AA Frisco, which was supposed to be a big step in his recovery. However, Webb was miserable over his 3-1/3 innings, allowing eight hits and walking two while hovering in the low- to mid-80s. And Thursday, we get this, via Jeff Wilson:

Brandon Webb taken off rehab with inflammation in his rotator cuff. Taking anti-inflammatories. Must be down 7 days before new assignment.

One step forward, one step back. Webb's shoulder is barking again, and he'll have to take a break before getting back to pitching. Meaning what was supposed to be a sign of progress is instead a sign of no movement, or at least no overall displacement.

Webb was a known gamble when the Rangers signed him as a free agent, and one probably shouldn't count on their getting anything out of him before he becomes a free agent again this coming fall.