ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers relievers Mark Lowe and Joe Nathan thought they'd have a little fun with the traditional rookie job of carrying the pink backpack to the bullpen before games. For years now, the pitcher with the least amount of service time has carried a backpack to the bullpen. It has all kinds of things the relievers might need out there -- sunflower seeds, stretch bands, etc. -- on a given night.

Before the season, the relievers had a meeting and sent Robbie Ross out of the room.

"We discussed what we wanted to do and decided to dress him like a true Texas Ranger," Lowe said. "So I went with Joe and we got all the stuff."

Before Sunday's ESPN game, Lowe and Nathan made a quick trip to a Sheplers Western Wear to make sure Ross looked the part. Top priority was a vest with a sheriff's badge. They added a cowboy hat, a toy gun and even a plush horse they found in the kids section. Ross smiled as he walked from the dugout to the bullpen as the videoboard cameras -- not to mention ESPN -- filmed his every move. Chuck Morgan, the club's guru of in-game entertainment, saw it too and started playing "Happy Trails" in the stadium. Ross did a little dance and had fun with it.

"They all were getting me dressed and then told me to walk out there," Ross said, smiling. "I did what I was told."

Lowe said this will be a daily ritual for Ross.

"It's part of his uniform now," Lowe said. "That's the deal."

So more fans will get to enjoy it as the season goes along.