ARLINGTON - Rangers manager Jeff Banister said Friday he has considered the possibility of a six-man starting rotation when Yu Darvish returns from the disabled list.

Actually, he is considering it before that.

Banister said the Rangers upcoming schedule that includes off days on four consecutive Thursdays from May 12-June 2 gives the club the opportunity at a dry run. The off day would essentially fill in as the "sixth pitcher."

Darvish is scheduled to start his rehab at Double-A Frisco with a 30-pitch, two-inning outing Sunday and could be a feasible option for the starting rotation by May 21 or 27. Going to a six-man rotation at that point, if everybody is healthy and remains effective, would give the Rangers the opportunity to keep A.J. Griffin in the mix and would give the Rangers a way to get their starters extra rest during a run in which they play 37 games in 38 days leading up to the All-Star break.

The Rangers would likely return to a five-man rotation after the All-Star break.

"I've thought about it, but we've got some time before we get there," Banister said. "You've got to have the right bullpen mix, the right guys on the bench. There is a lot to consider."

Banister likes the idea of the extra rest for a rotation that includes a pitcher who is coming off Tommy John surgery and who grew up in a six-man rotation in Darvish. Colby Lewis spent two years in a six-man rotation in Japan, as well. Martin Perez, Derek Holland and Griffin all missed significant time a year ago and the extra-rest from a six-man rotation might be of benefit late in the season.

Darvish said Friday that when he returns, he will be ready to pitch in a five-man rotation. He has, however, been an advocate of six-man rotations in the past.

The six-man rotation would have significant impact on the roster. The Rangers would have to trim the bench to three players and are liable to have a logjam already on their hands with the expected May returns of Shin-Soo Choo and Josh Hamilton. The Rangers would need a versatile outfielder on the bench.

It would also require the Rangers to have more than one multiple-inning pitcher in their bullpen. Right now, Cesar Ramos is the only long man in the bullpen. He does not, however, have minor league options remaining. If the Rangers had to turn to him, they would need a second option. Phil Klein and Alex Claudio are considered two-inning options, at best.