Chavez (elbow) is starting a throwing program designed to have him pitching off a mound by mid-May, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com reports.
Chavez was headed for a stint on the injured list before spring training shut down. He made just one appearance during the Cactus League, as the elbow injury has lingered since the end of last season. The Rangers are using the delayed start to the season to get Chavez ready at a measured pace. He's been throwing out to 60 feet and is expected to be long-tossing by the end of April.