Texas Rangers

Rangers 7, Angels 3 (F)

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A weekend that included two sloppy games defensively and a postgame team meeting ended on a better note Sunday for the Texas Rangers. But, like the first two games, it wasn't easy.

Matt Harrison didn't allow a hit until the fifth inning and Nelson Cruz launched a two-run homer in the seventh as the Rangers beat the Angels 7-3 to avoid a three-game sweep at Angel Stadium.

The Rangers lead the Angels by 4 1/2 games in the American League West, losing just a game to their lead over the weekend. The Rangers open a four-game series at Oakland on Monday and play three at San Francisco next weekend.

Elvis Andrus went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and Michael Young and Mike Napoli had two hits and an RBI apiece as the Rangers collected 14 hits but also stranded 14 runners.

They needed Cruz's blast generate some breathing room after failing to deliver a key hit as Dan Haren labored. Cruz's drive to left field off Bobby Cassevah made it a 5-2 game, but the Angels came right back in their half of the inning.

Mike Trout delivered a two-out RBI single off Alexi Ogando, and Albert Pujols batted later in the inning with the bases loaded. Ogando, though, delivered a 100-mph fastball that shattered Pujols' bat on a shallow flyball to left field to end the threat.

Mike Adams worked a scoreless eighth inning, and Napoli and Andrus had RBI singles in the ninth. Joe Nathan, working in an non-save situation, pitched around a two-out single to close out the win.

-- Jeff Wilson

Sunday's Rangers-Angels lineups

The Rangers try to avoid a three-game sweep to their closest division rival and have a lineup that has had plenty of success against Angels starter Dan Haren. Seven of the nine Rangers hitters have an average of .318 or better against Haren, including a .453 mark by Adrian Beltre.

Rangers lineup vs. RHP Dan Haren: Ian Kinsler, 2b; Elvis Andrus, ss; Josh Hamilton, cf; Adrian Beltre, 3b; Michael Young, dh; Nelson Cruz, rf; David Murphy, lf; Mike Napoli, c; Mitch Moreland, 1b.

Angels lineup vs. LHP Matt Harrison: Mike Trout, lf; Alberto Callaspo, 3b; Albert Pujols, 1b; Mark Trumbo, rf; Torii Hunter, dh; Howie Kendrick, 2b; Erick Aybar, ss; Peter Bourjos, cf; John Hester, c.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

 

 

Sunday morning Rangers pregame notes: The Letter

Manager Ron Washington received a letter from a Rangers fan Saturday night that she basically tossed into the dugout. Washington tucked it away in his pocket, and forgot about it until after he had addressed his team in a postgame meeting and dissected a 3-2 loss with the media. When he finally sat down to read note, he couldn't believe what he had read.

The fan basically was telling Washington what she had seen from the club, and it was all the stuff that Washington had just spoken about with his team.

"I couldn't believe what she said, because I just said the same thing," Washington said. "It's funny how fans see the same thing. Some fans. I'm not going to say all fans because some fans see only what they want to see. Some fans don't see reality, but this lady has seen reality."

Washington didn't divulge the details of the letter, but he had spoken to his team about playing the Rangers brand of baseball. That starts with pitching and defense, he said, and includes being aggressive on the bases and executing when in game situations.

The Rangers committed three errors and a couple mental lapses in losing their fourth straight game. But it wasn't just one game that led to meeting, which Washington said would have been held even if the Rangers had come back to win.

The letter wasn't all critical. It closed with a compliment of Washington's work the past few years.

"The last line on this letter is, 'Mr. Washington, thank you for the wonderful job that you've done and the joy you've brought to our hearts as baseball fans,' " he said.

Roy Oswalt will pitch again Thursday for Triple A Round Rock, said pitching coach Mike Maddux, and is expected to throw 45 to 50 pitches over three to four innings. Scott Feldman, who more than likely is going to lose his rotation spot to Oswalt, will start Monday night at Oakland.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Josh Hamilton is AL Player of the Month for May

Josh Hamilton is the Player of the Month in the American League for the second straight month after he was honored Sunday for his performance in May. The Rangers' outfielder led the league in home runs (12), RBIs (32), slugging percentage (.781) and total bases (75). He tied for first in extra-base hits (18), was fourth in batting average (.344) and seventh in on-base percentage (.405).

He also won the award in April. He has gone back-to-back for just the third time in history, and he's the first to do it twice. He also was the top player in April and May of 2008.

"Really? Can I shut it down the rest of the year?" Hamilton said. "I don't play to receive awards, but it always makes you feel good when it's recognized that you've going out there and done the best you can."

Major League Baseball announced its top players, pitchers and rookies for May on Sunday rather than the usual Monday release. Monday, though, is the First-Year Player Draft, and the decks have been cleared for that.

-- Jeff Wilson

Angels 3, Rangers 2 (F)

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Anaheim scored two disputed runs against Yu Darvish in the seventh inning, including one on a play that got Yorvit Torrealba ejected, and the Angels hung on for a 3-2 victory that moved them within 3 1/2 games of the Rangers in the American League West.

Erick Aybar and Mike Trout scored the runs, though the Rangers believed both had been put out during the inning. Shortstop Elvis Andrus thought that Trout's one-out grounder had deflected off Aybar as he headed to third base, though second-base umpire Ted Barrett ruled otherwise.

Aybar would score on a single by Alberto Callaspo. After Albert Pujols walked to load the bases -- Darvish's last batter fo the game -- Kendrys Morales hit a liner to shallow right field that Nelson Cruz caught and fired toward home.

Torrealba applied a tag on Trout that plate umpire Tim McClelland ruled was late. Torrealba tossed his mask and was ejected immediately, though he continued to argue all while not realizing he had been tossed. A replay shown in the press box showed that Torrealba tagged Trout on the hip before his foot touched home plate.

The Rangers also had an issue with the Angels' first run, which was fueled by a blown call at second base to start the sixth inning. Mike Napoli muffed a popup by Albert Pujols, but recovered the ball and threw to second as Pujols tried to take the extra base.

Replays showed that Ian Kinsler clearly tagged Pujols before he reached the bag, but Barrett signaled safe. Pujols would score two batters later as Adrian Beltre juggled a grounder for the Rangers' second error of the inning. Pujols had stolen third after Darvish ignored him during a Morales at-bat.

The Rangers countered with a run on a sacrifice fly by David Murphy in the seventh, but it was erased by the crazy bottom half of the inning.

The Rangers played poorly defensively again, matching their season-high with three errors, but Darvish (7-3) had one of his best starts of the season. He had a two-hit shutout through five innings and ended up allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits.

He was bailed out by an excellent defensive play to start the third, as Craig Gentry jumped and reached over the center-field wall to take a homer away from Aybar.

The Rangers closed to within a run in the eighth with an unearned run created by Andrus as he went from first to third on a Michael Young single and the throw from Torii Hunter skipped into the camera well near the Angels' dugout.

The Rangers loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Josh Hamilton struck out to seal the Rangers' fourth loss. The Angels have won 10 of 11.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

 

Rangers video: Roy Oswalt on Saturday's start at Triple A Round Rock

Roy Oswalt made his debut in the Texas Rangers' organization, throwing two scoreless innings for Triple A Round Rock on Saturday night. He threw 34 pitches, 20 strikes, and another 30 pitches in the bullpen.

 

 

-- Drew Davison

Saturday pregame Rangers notes

The Rangers recent run of sloppy fielding has pushed them to the top of the American League in a category they don't want to lead: unearned runs. The 29 the Rangers are second in baseball only to the 30 San Francisco has allowed.

Manager Ron Washington steadfastly believes that the Rangers are a quality defensive team, but have hit a bad stretch. But he also said that he would like to see the pitching staff pick up the defense after those mistakes, and would like to see the offense pick up the pitching staff when it struggles. But when a team is struggling, said Washington, one or two of those facets is usually missing.

Yu Darvish's back, which stiffened on him last weekend and shortened his start against Toronto, is fine and won't be an issue tonight, said Washington. Darvish was limited to only five innings Sunday, though he did pile up 93 pitches. He said the back soreness was the result of a stomach illness. (Insert your own thoughts as to why that might be possible. Purely by coincidence, one of the press box attendant's name is Ralph.)

Brandon Snyder was the choice to lead off the ninth inning against right-hander Ernesto Frieri because Washington thought that Snyder had a better chance to connect that Craig Gentry. A right-hander was up because left-hander Scott Downs returned to the mound to start the ninth and face David Murphy. Washington sent Gentry to the on-deck circle, and Angels manager Mike Scioscia countered by removing Downs in favor of Frieri.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

 

 

Saturday's Rangers-Angels lineups

Left-hander C.J. Wilson is on the mound, so manager Ron Washington has put eight right-handed hitters and Josh Hamilton into the Rangers' lineup for the second game of their three-game series against Anaheim. Yorvit Torrealba gets the catching duties, and Mike Napoli slides to first base.

Rangers lineup vs. LHP C.J. Wilson: Ian Kinlser, 2b; Elvis Andrus, ss; Josh Hamilton, lf; Adrian Beltre, 3b; Michael Young, dh; Nelson Cruz, rf; Mike Napoli, 1b; Yorvit Torrealba, c; Craig Gentry, cf.

Angels lineup vs. RHP Yu Darvish: Mike Trout, cf; Alberto Callaspo, 3b; Albert Pujols, 1b; Kendrys Morales, dh; Mark Trumbo, lf; Torii Hunter, rf; Howie Kendrick, 2b; Erick Aybar, ss; Bobby Wilson, c.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

 

 

Roy Oswalt goes two innings in Round Rock debut

ROUND ROCK – Roy Oswalt didn’t look like a pitcher making his first professional start since last October. He worked out of a bases loaded jam in the first inning, and then had another scoreless inning in his two-inning start for Triple A Round Rock on Saturday night in his debut in the Texas Rangers organization.

Oswalt threw 34 pitches, 20 strikes, against the Albuquerque Isotopes, Triple A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He wrapped up his night with additional work in the Express bullpen. His fastball topped out at 94 mph.

Things didn’t get off to the best start for Oswalt. He gave up a single to Trent Oeltjen on a 1-2 pitch, and then walked Aaron Miles on five pitches. Josh Fields, the former Oklahoma State quarterback, reached on an infield single to load the bases. But Oswalt worked out of the jam. He struck out Jeff Baisley on three pitches, and induced an inning-ending double play by Luis Cruz.

In the second, Oswalt worked around a leadoff single by retiring the next three on a lineout to third and two groundouts.

Oswalt signed a minor-league contract worth at least $4 million on Friday. He had agreed to terms earlier in the week.

Oswalt has spent 11 years in the major leagues, including the past two with the Philadelphia Phillies. He has been named to three All-Star teams, and has finished in the top-six of the National League Cy Young voting six times.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers minor league notes from Round Rock: Leonys Martin, Julio Borbon injury updates

Before Roy Oswalt makes his debut in the Texas Rangers' organization with his first start at Triple A Round Rock, here are updates on outfielders Leonys Martin and Julio Borbon.

* Leonys Martin, on the Triple A disabled list following thumb surgery in early Mary, has been taking batting practice the past five days. He has also been running the bases. Martin, though, said he is still 5-7 days away from being ready to play. The Rangers expected Martin to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks, and he is going on his fifth week. Martin injured his thumb when he slid into first base on a bunt single attempt. "I'm a little frustrated to be on the DL," Martin said. "When I get back, the biggest challenge will be getting comfortable sliding again."

* Julio Borbon was placed on the DL earlier this week with a groin injury. He expects to be ready by the end of next week, as he ran at 70-75 percent on Saturday. Borbon feels this is a critical season for him to show he can play in the big leagues, as this is his final option year. Asked about his future with the Rangers, Borbon said: "I feel like I have a future in baseball, that's as broad as I can leave it. It's pretty wide open with the things you see take place in this business. I would like to think so and something that would be ideal, but that's for them to decide."

-- Drew Davison

Angels 4, Rangers 2 (F)

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Mike Trout drove in three runs, two on a two-out single in the seventh inning, as the Angels opened a three-game series between the top two teams in the American League West with a 4-2 victory over the Rangers.

The Rangers, who have lost three straight games, lead the Angels by 4 1/2 games.

Trout's single in the seventh came after Colby Lewis (4-4) hit Erick Aybar with an 0-2 fastball and after second baseman Ian Kinsler booted a Maicer Izturis grounder off Alexi Ogando to load the bases. Both runs were unearned.

The Rangers led 2-0 through five on the strength of a two-out RBI single by Adrian Beltre in the first to plate Josh Hamilton and a fourth-inning RBI single by Mike Napoli to push Michael Young home.

But the Angels erased their deficit in the sixth, an inning they opened with only one hit. But No. 9 hitter John Hester led off with a double and Trout followed with a triple. Trout would score two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Albert Pujols.

Trout then saved two runs with catch in the seventh on an Elvis Andrus drive to center. Trout raced back, reached up and made a running grab at the warning track to end the inning with Rangers at second and third.

Lewis retired the first 10 batters he faced and surrendered only four hits in 6 2/3 innings. Jerome Williams (6-2) issued just the two runs in seven innings.

-- Jeff Wilson

Friday pregame Rangers notes

The Rangers, believe it or not, did not fold on their off day Thursday after a 21-8 drubbing by Seattle on Wednesday. The problem was simply bad pitching, bad enough that their manager was pretty sure he would have fared as well as a Mariners hitter. "I've been retired since 1990, and I think I could have hit some of those pitches," Ron Washington said.

The blowout out allowed the Rangers to get a look at Brandon Snyder behind the plate. It was his first big-league game as a catcher after spending the early part of his career in the minors at the position. He said it was fun, and he hopes he showed the Rangers that he "could catch the ball." He did, but don't look for him to be starting back there. Ever. "We had an opportunity to get him in the game, and he looked like he was serviceable," Washington said. "But every I opportunity I get to go with Napoli and Torrealba, I will. The only time you'll see Brandon back there maybe is in games when we get an opportunity to blow someone or we have to go through another situation like we did the other day where we're getting blown out. But it's nice to know that we have him and he can sit back there and catch it."

Washington did not use a position player to pitch even though the topic was brought up. Mitch Moreland wanted to pitch, but Washington doesn't want to use the former college pitcher for fear that he would have a flashback to his days at Mississippi State and "try to throw a breaking ball and have his arm follow the ball up to the plate," Washington said. Alberto Gonzalez or Craig Gentry would have been the choice, but the Rangers got by by using six of the seven pitchers in their bullpen.

Team president Nolan Ryan is throwing out the first pitch tonight and receiving his Angels Hall of Fame ring. Ryan has thrown out the first pitch before the first game of the Rangers' past two road trips, also handling the ceremonial duties May 18 at Houston.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

 

 

Friday's Rangers-Angels lineups: The usual suspects

The Rangers return from an off day with their normal lineup against a right-handed starter, which means Josh Hamilton is in center field. Hamilton participated in early batting practice this afternoon, an indication that his upper respiratory infection has improved. "His color looked much better," said manager Ron Washington, who noted how pale Hamilton was during the homestand. "He was as white as that sheet of paper you're writing on."

Rangers lineup vs. RHP Jerome Williams: Ian Kinsler, 2b; Elvis Andrus, ss; Josh Hamilton, cf; Adrian Beltre, dh; Michael Young, 3b; David Murphy, lf; Nelson Cruz, rf; Mike Napoli, c; Mitch Moreland, 1b.

Angels lineup vs. RHP Colby Lewis: Mike Trout, cf; Alberto Callaspo, 3b; Albert Pujols, 1b; Kendrys Moralez, dh; Mark Trumbo, lf; Torii Hunter, rf; Howie Kendrick, 2b; Erick Aybar, ss; John Hester, c.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers video: Roy Oswalt's press conference on Thursday

Roy Oswalt has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, pending physical. Assuming all goes well, Oswalt is scheduled to make his first start at Triple A Round Rock on Saturday. He will throw 2-3 innings.

Oswalt talked about the importance of winning as to why he decided to sign with the Rangers, and his desire to complete his set of rings with a World Series championship one.

 

 

-- Drew Davison

Wrapping up Rangers 13-run loss to Mariners

Michael Young called it a beat down.

That pretty much summed up the Texas Rangers' 21-8 loss to the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.

"It was their game from start to finish," Young said. "We need to flush it down the toilet and come back ready to play Friday."

Derek Holland gave up eight runs in the second inning, and didn't make it through the inning. It was his shortest outing since Aug. 5, 2011.

Yoshinori Tateyama didn't fare much better than Holland, either. The Rangers right-handed reliever was charged with eight runs -- six earned -- in the third. The Mariners went on to tack on a single run in the fourth to take a 17-0 lead, and then added four in the eighth after the Rangers had pulled to within 17-7.

The 21 runs allowed were the most by a major league team this season. Here are a few postgame notes from the worst loss so far for the Rangers:

* Derek Holland and Yoshinori Tateyama hold the dubious honors of being the only pitchers in franchise history to allow eight or more runs in teh same game. It's the first it's happened in the big leagues since April 12, 2010 with the Braves' had Jair Jurrjens (8) and Jo-Jo Reyes (9) at San Diego.

* The last time the Rangers allowed 20 or more runs was Sept. 30, 2000 when the Athletics scored 23 runs. That's the most allowed in franchise history. Wednesday marks the fourth time the Rangers have allowed 20 or more runs in the game -- the Oakland game in 2000; Aug. 23, 1999 against New York Yankees (21-3 loss); and June 29, 1995 against California Angels (20-4).

* The Rangers' bullpen has been taxed the past two nights with starters getting knocked out of the game. Said Mike Adams: "I think we all could use the offday. The past few days have been rough. The offday tomorrow should re-set ourselves and hopefully we go to Anaheim and play a lot better."

* On the bright side, the Rangers had a few decent offensive nights. Ian Kinsler snapped an 0 for 12 skid by going 2 for 3 with two doubles. Mike Napoli had a two-run double in the sixth, giving him seven RBIs in the past four games. Josh Hamilton his his 150th career double in the sixth. ... But, as Michael Young said, "We expect to hit ... There's nothing really encouraging from today's game. It was a beat down."

-- Drew Davison

Final: Mariners 21, Rangers 8 (Texas allows most runs in majors this season)

Derek Holland had a crisp, 1-2-3 first inning, striking out the final two batters. He then unraveled in the second inning.

Holland didn’t make it through the second inning, giving up eight runs which was just the beginning to a game that the Seattle Mariners ran away to a 21-8 victory over the Texas Rangers on Wednesday night.

Seattle won the final two games of the three-game series, snapping what had been a four-game winning streak for Texas. The 13-run victory on Wednesday is the largest losing margin for the Rangers this season, and the 21 runs allowed was the most allowed by a team in the major leagues this season.

With one out in the second, Holland gave up a two-run single to Miguel Olivo. He got Michael Saunders to pop up, though, and seemed to be on a path to minimize damage. But Brendan Ryan singled and then Dustin Ackley belted a three-run home run to right.

Chone Figgins followed with a single, stole second base and scored on a single by Kyle Seager. Jesus Montero delivered a two-run homer next, the fifth consecutive batter to reach safely with two outs against Holland.

The Rangers tried to let Holland get out of it, but he issued a five-pitch walk to Justin Smoak and a four-pitch walk to Alex Liddi to end his night.

It was Holland’s shortest outing since Aug. 5, 2011. He allowed eight runs on eight hits with two walks and two strikeouts over 1 2/3 innings.

Yoshinori Tateyama didn’t fare much better than Holland. The Mariners scored eight runs – two unearned – off Tateyama in the third, including a three-run homer by Smoak.

Smoak added another three-run homer in the eighth off Koji Uehara.

The Rangers scored five runs in the sixth and two more in the seventh, but never threatened the Mariners substantial lead.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers video: Cowboys QB Tony Romo throws out first pitch

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Rangers took on the Mariners on Wednesday night at Rangers Ballpark. Texas reliever Mike Adams, who is a Cowboys season ticket holder, caught the pitch.

 

 

-- Drew Davison

 

Wednesday's Rangers pregame notes: Feliz focused on getting healthy; Andrus gets break

Neftali Feliz views himself as a starter for now, and didn't have too much of a reaction to the Texas Rangers signing right-hander Roy Oswalt. Feliz is sidelined with right elbow inflammation and will not be available to pitch until after the All-Star break.

"I know that every player coming to team is here to help, and that's what they got him [Oswalt] for," Feliz said.

Feliz met with manager Ron Washington on Wednesday afternoon, and the message was simply to for Feliz to get healthy and not worry about his future role.

Here are a few other notes:

* Elvis Andrus has the day off. He will get two consecutive days off with the Rangers having an offday on Thursday. Andrus has had -- by Ron Washington's count -- four mental relapses on defense over the past week. "I didn't want to see five," Washington said.

* Yu Darvish is scheduled to start on Saturday against Anaheim, and said he is feeling better. He left his last start after the fifth inning with back stiffness.

* Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is throwing out the first pitch tonight, and had the same advice as he gives every first pitcher -- "Don't bounce it," Washington said. Washington said he gives that advice to every male who throws out the first pitch. If it's a female, Washington advises them to play from the "ladies' tee" so they can get it to the plate.

-- Drew Davison

Wednesday's Mariners-Rangers lineups: Elvis Andrus sits

Manager Ron Washington had seen four plays of late that Elvis Andrus should have made but didn't, and he didn't want to see a fifth. So, Andrus gets a day off in the finale of the homestand to rest his mind more than his body. When Andrus' mind is sharp, said Washington, he makes the plays in question. Adrian Beltre also gets a break, sort of, as the Rangers' designated hitter. With a day off Thursday, Andrus and Beltre are getting two days off while missing only one game.

Mariners lineup vs. LHP Derek Holland: Dustin Ackley, 2b; Chone Figgins, rf; Kyle Seager, 3b; Jesus Montero, dh; Justin Smoak, 1b; Alex Liddi, lf; Miguel Olivo, c; Michael Saunders, cf; Brendan Ryan, ss.

Rangers lineup vs. RHP Blake Beavan: Ian Kinsler, 2b; Michael Young, 3b; Josh Hamilton, cf; Adrian Beltre, dh; David Murphy, lf; Nelson Cruz, rf; Mike Napoli, c; Mitch Moreland, 1b; Alberto Gonzalez, ss.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers GM Jon Daniels says Oswalt signing about 'winning'

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels addressed the Roy Oswalt signing on Wednesday, calling it a decision to put the team in position to win.

"This move was about winning," Daniels said.

Daniels said it's more difficult for teams to acquire talent because of the new restrictions on international signings, as well as the additional wild card format. More teams will be viewed as sellers rather than buyers at the trade deadline.

The Rangers stretched their budget to add Oswalt, but Daniels didn't know how it would affect the team's flexibility at the trade deadline.

"I think it's going to be on a case by case basis, where if there's an opportuinty to improve the club we'll talk it over on baseball side," Daniels said. "Then we'll go from there. It's kind of specultavie right now."

-- Drew Davison

Roy Oswalt believes he can help Rangers

Right-hander Roy Oswalt addressed the local media in a conference call Wednesday afternoon, and said that he is confident that he can help the Rangers once he is ready to pitch in the major leagues.

Oswalt said that one of the main reasons he chose the Rangers was his relationship with Nolan Ryan, who was the owner of the Round Rock club when Oswalt was in Double A. Oswalt called Ryan one of his idols.

"A lot of it was Nolan. He's the one who pretty much started my career. He put his name on me to pitch in Double A and go on from there. I've got a lot of respect for Nolan. To have a guy like that behind and him put his stamp on you means a lot to a young player."

The Rangers' proximity to Mississippi was not a primary factor in him choosing the Rangers over suitors that he said included the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"Whether your six hours or 20 hours away from home, you're still not at home," Oswalt said.

Oswalt also dismissed his back as much of an issue. He has been throwing bullpen sessions every other day, up to 85 pitches. Because of that, he thinks that he needs only four starts with Triple A Round Rock before he is ready to join the Rangers.

He is planning to throw 50 to 60 pitches Saturday in his first start.

"I think we're going to play it by ear a little bit, but I know where I'm at," Oswalt said. "I'm hoping that's about four starts to get me ready to join the team."

Four starts would mean that he would be ready for the Rangers' series against Colorado on June 22-24.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Mariners 10, Rangers 3 (F)

ARLINGTON -- John Jaso hit a two-run homer in the second inning Tuesday night, and a two-out throwing error by Adrian Beltre with the bases loaded gave Seattle two more runs as the Mariners pulled away late for a 10-3 victory.

Josh Hamilton drove in all three runs and hit his 21st homer of the season.

Scott Feldman (0-3) allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings on the day that the Rangers signed Roy Oswalt to take over for him in the rotation. Feldman will continue to work as a starter until Oswalt is ready next month.

The Rangers were down 4-1 in the sixth when Hamilton delivered a two-run shot to center field off Jason Vargas (6-4). They had the bases loaded with one out in the fifth, but Ian Kinsler bounced into a double play to end the threat.

Seattle tacked on six runs in the eighth against Alexi Ogando and Mike Adams, the Rangers' top two set-up relievers. They failed to record an out in the inning, which matched the Rangers' worst of the season and included an error on Elvis Andrus and a misjudged flyball by Nelson Cruz.

Ogando was pitching for the first time since suffering a bruised right hand Sunday.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers video: Jon Daniels, Nolan Ryan discuss Roy Oswalt

Here's a look at about half of the news conference featuring general manager Jon Daniels and team president Nolan Ryan as they discuss the acquisition of right-hander Roy Oswalt. Video by Jeff Wilson.

 

 

 

Tuesday's pregame Rangers notes

Aside from Roy Oswalt and Josh Hamilton, there is a little more Rangers news out there.

Derek Holland said that he has improved from a stomach ailment that affected him during his last start, which he won after working 7 1/3 innings. He said it wasn't a problem Friday and won't be Wednesday against Seattle.

Adrian Beltre said his left hamstring continues to improve, though he said he doesn't know how strong it is because he's afraid to test it too much. He remains in manage-it mode, but isn't having any issues defensively or at the plate. Just the bases.

Hamilton, for those who haven't checked the lineup blog post, said he is playing tonight even though he feels no better than he did Monday, when he was given the day off. Manager Ron Washington was planning to monitor Hamilton during batting practice and throughout the game. If Hamilton shows any signs that he can't go, Washington plans to remove him.

Alexi Ogando's right hand is OK two days after it was struck by a line drive.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

Tuesday's Mariners-Rangers lineups

Josh Hamilton was inserted into the Rangers' lineup even though he said he hasn't felt any better than he did Monday, when he was held out of the lineup. Manager Ron Washignton said that he would check with Hamilton after batting practice and throughout the game to make sure Hamilton is able to play.

Mariners lineup vs. RHP Scott Feldman: Dustin Ackley, 2b; Alex Liddi, lf; Ichiro Suzuki, rf; Jesus Montero, dh; Kyle Seager, 3b; Justin Smoak, 1b; John Jaso, c; Michael Saunders, cf; Brendan Ryan, ss.

Rangers lineup vs. LHP Jason Vargas: Ian Kinsler, 2b; Elvis Andrus, ss; Josh Hamilton, lf; Adrian Beltre, 3b; Michael Young, dh; Nelson Cruz, rf; Mike Napoli, 1b; Yorvit Torrealba, c; Craig Gentry, cf.

-- Jeff Wilson

Rangers land Roy Oswalt

The Rangers moved today to fill a hole in their rotation when they reached agreement on a minor-league deal with free-agent right-hander Roy Oswalt.

The Rangers announced the deal during their game against Seattle, with general manager Jon Daniels saying the Rangers are a better team. That assumes that Oswalt passes a physical, which he will take Thursday.

The initial plan is for Oswalt to start Saturday for Triple A Round Rock and make two or three additional starts in the minors before debuting in the Rangers' rotation possibly by the weekend of June 22-24.

The Rangers had grown increasingly confident over the weekend that a deal would be worked out, even though Oswalt balked at the club's initial offer. Oswalt, 34, likely won't be ready until mid- to late-June to take over the rotation vacancy created when Neftali Feliz suffered a sprained right elbow.

Scott Feldman made his second start in Feliz's spot Tuesday and will continue in that role until Oswalt is ready.

"When Neftali got hurt, we were looking at all of our options and thought this was a pretty attractive one," Daniels said. "I don't think you can ever have too much pitching. With his pedigree and what he’s accomplished in the game, we think he's a nice addition to the club."

Daniels said that Feliz's role upon his return from the disabled list, perhaps near the All-Star break, is undetermined. Feliz will see Dr. Keith Meister in three weeks and could begin a throwing program then.

Oswalt is guaranteed $4 million from a prorated contract that includes roster bonuses.

-- Jeff Wilson

Wrapping up Rangers 4-2 victory

Mike Napoli delivered a three-run home run to break open a 1-1 game. It was the second home run for Napoli in as many days and he's starting to show signs of breaking out what had become a 3 for 25 slump.

"It's at-bat to at-bat," Napoli said. "Sometimes I feel good and sometimes I don't. I feel a little better than I did but I've got to keep working, keep my same routine and keep plugging away at it."

Manager Ron Washington agreed, saying it's difficult to say Napoli has broken out of his slump after two games.

Here are a few other postgame notes:

* Matt Harrison allowed two runs on seven hits over eight innings. He said he pounded the strike zone and was more aggressive. Harrison beat the Mariners for the second time in a week, and is now 8-1 with a 2.69 ERA over 11 career starts against them.

* Nelson Cruz had a solo home run in the second. He has hit safely in the first four games of the homestand, posting a .421 average.

* Joe Nathan worked around a one-out error to close out the ninth and earn his 11th save of the season. The error ended his streak of retiring 17 consecutive batters.

-- Drew Davison

Final: Rangers 4, Mariners 2

Mike Napoli homered for the second straight day, Matt Harrison allowed two runs over eight innings and the Texas Rangers went on to a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Monday night at Rangers Ballpark.

Texas has won four straight and five of their last six.

With the game tied 1-1 going into the bottom of the sixth, Adrian Beltre drew a leadoff walk and moved to third on a single by David Murphy. Nelson Cruz struck out, but Napoli delivered a three-run shot off the right-field facade to give the Rangers a 4-1 lead.

Harrison gave up runs in his first and final innings, and retired 18 of 21 between that. He allowed two runs on seven hits with no walks and five strikeouts over eight innings. Joe Nathan closed it out in the ninth for his 11th save.

The Mariners took a 1-0 lead in the first with a two-out RBI single by Jesus Montero. The Rangers tied it in the second with a solo homer to right by Cruz.

-- Drew Davison

Tonight's lineups: Rangers vs. Mariners

Josh Hamilton will miss his fourth start this month with upper respiratory issues. Alexi Ogando is also unavailable tonight a day after taking a liner off his hand. Ogando said he'd be available on Tuesday.

Here are the full lineups tonight:

Texas -- 1. Ian Kinsler (2B); 2. Elvis Andrus (SS); 3. Michael Young (DH); 4. Adrian Beltre (3B); 5. David Murphy (LF); 6. Nelson Cruz (RF); 7. Mike Napoli (C); 8. Mitch Moreland (1B); 9. Craig Gentry (CF).

Pitcher -- Matt Harrison (5-3, 4.72 ERA)

Seattle -- 1. John Jaso (DH); 2. Chone Figgins (LF); 3. Ichiro Suzuki (RF); 4. Jesus Montero (C); 5. Justin Smoak (1B); 6. Kyle Seager (2B); 7. Alex Liddi (3B); 8. Michael Saunders (CF); 9. Brendan Ryan (SS).

Pitcher -- Kevin Millwood (3-4, 3.72 ERA)

-- Drew Davison

Monday's Rangers pregame notes: Hamilton, Ogando out tonight; Darvish's back is OK

Josh Hamilton is getting  a day off.

He stayed in bed for more than 17 hours from 8:15 p.m. Sunday until 1:30 p.m. Monday, and still had upper respiratory issues.

"The last couple of days have been a little weird," Hamilton said. "Any time you've got inner-ear stuff or sinus stuff or chest stuff, it all goes back to not feeling quite right as far as your equilibrium, just feeling off."

Hamilton called manager Ron Washington before heading to the ballpark, and Hamilton said he could use a break. It's the fourth game Hamilton will miss this month, as he missed the entire Toronto series (April 30-May 2), had a day off on April 17 against Oakland but played the final 2 1/2 innings and tonight.

"Obviously I'd like to play no matter what," Hamilton said. "But if I'm running out there and getting dizzy and stuff I probably don't need to do it."

Here are a few other notes from Monday:

* Alexi Ogando isn't available out of the bullpen tonight. He is sidelined a day after taking a liner off his right hand. Ogando said he'd be available to pitch on Tuesday.

* Ron Washington said there are no concerns with the back stiffness that limited Yu Darvish on Sunday. Darvish is expected to make his next scheduled start on Saturday at Anaheim.

* Speaking of the Angels series, Ron Washington's board has the following pitching matchups: Colby Lewis-C.J. Wilson on Friday; Yu Darvish-Jered Weaver on Saturday; and Matt Harrison-Dan Haren on Sunday. Washington said that isn't set in stone, but it's what the team is going off of.

* Former Cowboys and Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer made an apperance in the Rangers clubhouse on Monday. Switzer shared a story of when he hosted a TV show in the 1990s and interviewed Nolan Ryan. Switzer said he introduced Ryan as "Nolan Alvin from Ryan, Texas." Switzer said Ryan eventually informed him of his mistake.

-- Drew Davison

Week that was, week that is for Rangers

First of all, happy Memorial Day and thanks to all the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces.

The Texas Rangers began last week wrapping up a stretch of 20 games in 20 days with a three-game series at Seattle. They dropped two of three to finish that stretch 10-10, including a 3-3 mark on their latest road trip.

After an offday Thursday, the Rangers welcomed the Blue Jays to town for a three-game series. And they went on to a three-game sweep with every game being a sellout at Rangers Ballpark. Texas had big offensive innings early in the game on Friday and Sunday, and Josh Hamilton delivered a memorable two-run walk-off homer on Saturday to end a 13-inning affair.

This week, the Rangers begin a three-game series against Seattle at home. They have another offday on Thursday before beginning a 10-game road trip at Anaheim on Friday. Here's a look ahead to this week:

May 28-30 vs. Seattle: Matt Harrison gets the start tonight, facing the Mariners for the second time in five days. He pitched well against them on Tuesday, allowing one run on eights hits with two walks and six strikeouts over seven innings. Former Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood starts for Seattle. The Rangers will go with Scott Feldman on Tuesday night. For now, Feldman has taken Neftali Feliz's spot in the rotation, although manager Ron Washington said nothing has been set after that. Jason Vargas pitches for the Mariners, and he has a lifetime 4.70 in seven career starts at Rangers Ballpark. And the series wraps up on Wednesday night with Derek Holland going for the Rangers and Fort Worth resident and former Rangers prospect Blake Beavan pitching for the Mariners.

June 1-3 at Los Angeles Angels: Colby Lewis is scheduled to pitch the series opener at Anaheim on Friday night. The likely Saturday night matchup will be another Yu Darvish-C.J. Wilson showdown. The two pitched against each other on May 11, a game that suffered a lengthy rain delay. Darvish pitched after the delay, while Wilson returned to the mound the following day. The Rangers took two of three from the Angels in their first series. Last year, Texas played well at Anaheim, winning seven of 10 games at Angel Stadium.

-- Drew Davison

#Rangers video: Yu Darvish postgame news conference

Yu Darvish allowed three runs in five innings Sunday, but had ample support from the offense as he won his seventh game of the season. He admitted to a stomach ailment last week that he said led to a sore back that forced an early exit. Video by Jeff Wilson.

 

 

 

 

Wrapping up Rangers 12-6 victory -- and sweep -- over Blue Jays

The Texas Rangers completed their third sweep of the season, taking all three from the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. They rolled to easy victories on Friday and Sunday behind offensive outbursts, and edged out a one-run victory on Saturday with a walk-off homer by Josh Hamilton.

Here are a few postgame notes following Sunday's victory:

* Yu Darvish earned his American League-leading seventh victory, allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts over five innings. Darvish had back stiffness that cut his outing short, as the 93 pitches matched his career low. Darvish didn't believe the back stiffness would cost him to miss any time, though.

* Mike Napoli went 2 for 3 with a two-run homer, his first blast since April 25. It was also his first extra-base hit since May 13. He entered the game mired in a 17 for 85 slump over his previous 26 games. "It was good for me to get a game like this today," Napoli said.

* Ian Kinsler went 2 for 5 with a double, a home run and two walks. It was Kinsler's first home run since April 24. "It was nice," Kinsler said. "It wasn't that big of a home run or a really important home run. It's cool to go over the fence and jog around the bases. That's a good feeling."

* Adrian Beltre had a two-run home run in the second. It was his 10th of the season, and he now has 13 double-digit home run seasons.

* Reliever Alexi Ogando left the game in the eighth inning with a bruised right hand. X-rays were negative, and he is listed day-to-day.

* The team announced a sold out crowd of 46,637 at Rangers Ballpark. It's the 16th sellout this season, the second most in franchise history. Having 16 sellouts on the 23rd home date, however, is a franchise record.

-- Drew Davison

Final: Rangers 12, Blue Jays 6 (Texas completes sweep of Toronto)

ARLINGTON – Yu Darvish didn’t have the best command of his pitches, but it wasn’t anything compared to the troubles of Kyle Drabek.

The Texas Rangers’ worked Drabek all day, knocking him out in the third inning of what became a 12-6 victory over the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon.

Texas swept Toronto by outscoring it 34-16 over the three-game series. It’s the third time the Rangers have swept an opponent this season, along with Minnesota (April 13-15) and Boston (April 17-18).

The Rangers broke the game open with a seven-run second, highlighted by consecutive two-run doubles by Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus and a two-run homer by Adrian Beltre.

Texas scored two more in the third on a homer by Ian Kinsler, snapping his 27-game homerless drought. The Rangers added three more runs in the seventh, including a two-run home run by Mike Napoli that narrowly cleared the right-field fence. It was Napoli’s first homer since April 25, and his first extra-base hit since May 13.

The Blue Jays scored single runs in the third, fourth, fifth and eighth, and two in the ninth, but the Rangers lead proved to be insurmountable.

Darvish made it through five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts. Mark Lowe, Alexi Ogando and Yoshinori Tateyama combined to close out the final four innings of the game.

-- Drew Davison

Sunday's Blue Jays-Rangers lineups: Hamilton, Napoli in

Josh Hamilton is in the lineup again Sunday despite requiring intravenous fluids and oxygen after Saturday's marathon, which he won with a two-run walk-off homer. Hamilton, who has respiratory and sinus infections, says that he feels as good before the game Sunday as he did before Saturday's game. Mike Napoli is also back in the lineup after getting nearly two days off with a stomach illness. He entered Saturday game's late as a pinch-hitter and went 0 for 2 in two clutch situations.

Blue Jays lineup vs. RHP Yu Darvish: Yunel Escobar, ss; Colby Rasmus, cf; Jose Bautista, rf; Edwin Encarnacion, dh; Eric Thames, lf; J.P. Arencibia, c; Brett Lawrie, 3b; David Cooper, 1b; Omar Vizquel, 2b.

Rangers lineup vs. RHP Kyle Drabek: Ian Kinsler, dh; Elvis Andrus, ss; Josh Hamilton, cf; Adrian Beltre, 3b; Michael Young, 2b; David Murphy, lf; Nelson Cruz, rf; Mike Napoli, c; Mitch Moreland, 1b.

-- Jeff Wilson

Sunday's Rangers pregame notes: Napoli, Hamilton starting; Nathan, Adams available

The Texas Rangers used six of their seven relievers in a 13-inning game on Saturday afternoon. Mark Lowe was the lone man out.

But Joe Nathan and Mike Adams worked perfect frames in the eighth and ninth, and are available today.

"We're in good shape," Washington said. "We certainly have our best options."

Robbie Ross threw 40 pitches over 1 2/3 innings, and Koji Uehara needed 22 over two innings.

The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are depleted. They had to make two roster moves to bolster their bullpen, adding Chad Beck and Jesse Chavez.

Here are other pregame notes:

* Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli are in the lineup for Sunday. Hamilton, the star from Saturday's game who needed oxygen and intravenous fluids after the game, is batting third and playing center field. Napoli, who was sidelined with an upset stomach, is catching.

* Manager Ron Washington said the rotation has not been set following the homestand. He said Scott Feldman was the scheduled starter on Tuesday, but didn't know anything further than that. "We haven't decided anything," Washington said. ... Washington said Alexi Ogando would likely need to be sent to the minor leagues to stretch out as a starter, if the team decides to go that route.

-- Drew Davison

Josh Hamilton, dazed by illness, delivers game-winning HR

Josh Hamilton was seeing stars in the fifth inning, after hitting a figurative wall because of the illness that is running its course through his lungs and head. Unfortunately for Jason Frasor and Toronto, the illness hadn't knocked Hamilton out.

Instead, he knocked out the Blue Jays with a two-run homer in the 13th inning as the Rangers rallied from two down in their final at-bat in the 13th inning to beat Toronto 8-7. The homer, which followed an Elvis Andrus RBI double, was Hamilton's baseball-leading 20th of the year to go with an MLB-best 53 RBIs.

Hamilton wasn't immediately available for comment after the game because he needed intravenous fluids and oxygen to help him recover from his long day on the field. When he finally did talk to the media, after also sitting off in a cold tub for his typical aches and pains, he admitted to being nearly out of it on the field.

"I hit a wall in the fifth inning. I was light-headed and seeing those little stars," said Hamilton, who also battled the elements during his game-ending at-bat against Frasor. "It was tough because of the shadows, and it was bright in the outfield. Thank the Lord I didn’t try to pull it. … When I hit it, I felt like I got enough of it to go."

Hamilton said he hit a splitter from Frasor, who had thrown 31 pitches Friday. He had replaced Ryota Igarashi, who started the inning despite logging 41 pitches Friday.

Andrus, whose double to the wall in left-center had scored Ian Kinsler, had no doubt that Hamilton's blast would clear the center-field wall.

"As soon as he hit the ball, I heard people yelling, 'Tag! Tag!' "Andrus said. "But I was like, 'No, that ball is out of here.' I am super glad he plays for us. No matter if he's sick or hurt, every time he plays, he's a hard out. I don't think he has to be 100 percent to hit a homer."

-- Jeff Wilson

Wrapping up Rangers first walk-off victory

The Texas Rangers had plenty opportunities to win. They had their leadoff man reach in the ninth, 10th, 11th and 12th innings of what had been a tie game but never capitalized.

Then the Toronto Blue Jays scored two in the top of the 13th, and it seemed like the Rangers ran out of chances. But that wasn't the case.

Ian Kinsler drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the 13th, and scored on a double by Elvis Andrus. That brought up Josh Hamilton, who sent a two-run blast over the center field fence to lift the Rangers to a dramatic 8-7 victory over the Blue Jays. It was the first walk-off victory of the season for the Rangers.

"We don't want too many walk-offs because that means the game is close," starter Colby Lewis said. "But we'll take it."

Here are a few postgame notes following the game:

* Josh Hamilton has 20 home runs in 47 games this season. That's the fastest a player has reached the 20-mark since Albert Pujols did it with the Cardinals in 2006.

* The Rangers went back-to-back-to-back in the sixth with their Nos. 7-9 hitters (Nelson Cruz, Yorvit Torrealba and Mitch Moreland). It's the seventh time in franchise history, and the first since Sept. 27, 2011.

* Mitch Moreland went 3 for 4 with a homer and two singles. He is hitting .392 since April 25.

* Starter Colby Lewis had his shortest outing of the season, lasting only 5 1/3 innings. He gave up four runs on 10 hits with no walks and six strikeouts. Asked about his outing, Lewis said: "We won."

* David Murphy snapped an 0 for 10 drought with an infield single in the second. He finished 1 for 2 with a walk.

* The Rangers announced a sold out crowd of 47,430, the 15th sellout of the season. That's tied for the second most in club history (1998), and trails the 21 sellouts in 1994.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers 8, Blue Jays 7 (F, 13)

ARLINGTON – The Texas Rangers had their chances. Four times the leadoff man reached in situations that could have resulted in the team’s first walk-off victory of the season.

It eventually happened in the 13th inning. Josh Hamilton belted a two-run homer to center to carry the Rangers to an 8-7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Ian Kinsler led off the 13th by drawing a walk, and scored on a double by Elvis Andrus off Blue Jays righty Ryota Igarashi. With Hamilton coming up, the Blue Jays turned to right-hander Jason Frasor, who served up the homer.

The Blue Jays had rallied to take the lead in the top of the 13th.

With one out, Brett Lawrie reached on a single off lefty Robbie Ross. He moved to second on a passed ball by Texas catcher Yorvit Torrealba, and then scored when Omar Vizquel, Toronto’s No. 9 hitter, singled to center.

The Blue Jays scored another run when Nelson Cruz couldn’t come up with a liner hit by Yunel Escobar.

Trailing 4-2 going into the bottom of the sixth, the Rangers rallied for three runs on back-to-back-to-back home runs by Cruz, Torrealba and Mitch Moreland.

Cruz, Torrealba and Moreland all sent solo shots in the visiting bullpen to turn the two-run deficit into a 5-4 lead. It was the second in as many days for Cruz and Torrealba to go deep.

All three blasts came off Blue Jays starter Henderson Alvarez, who was ejected during the next at-bat for throwing inside to Kinsler.

The Blue Jays tied it at 5-5 in the seventh off Rangers reliever Alexi Ogando, though. Jose Bautista led off with a double and scored on an RBI single by J.P. Arencibia.

Texas starter Colby Lewis had his shortest outing, lasting 5 1/3 innings. He allowed four runs on 10 hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The 10 hits allowed matched his season high.

-- Drew Davison

Saturday's Rangers pregame notes: Napoli out; Feldman throws live BP

Mike Napoli remains sidelined with an upset stomach, although he reported feeling better on Saturday. Yorvit Torrealba makes his second consecutive start at catcher, his first consecutive games in more than two weeks.

Here are a few other pregame notes:

* Scott Feldman threw a live batting practice session on Saturday. He felt that could help him accelerate the process of getting back into a starting routine. Feldman has taken Neftali Feliz's spot in the rotation for now.

* Yu Darvish is scheduled to make his 10th start of the season on Sunday. He is coming off his worst big-league outing against Seattle, and Ron Washington would like to see Darvish cut down on his walks. As far as pitching in the heat, Washington said the team doesn't talk about it and won't address the issue with Darvish.

* Manager Ron Washington talked about his approach when a position player comes on the mound. Washington smiled and said he tried to pad his stats a day after the Blue Jays had catcher Jeff Mathis throw an inning of relief.

-- Drew Davison

Saturday's Blue Jays-Rangers lineups: Hamilton, yes; Napoli, no

Mike Napoli and Josh Hamilton are both feeling better today, but only one of them is well enough to play. Hamilton, who has a head cold, is the starting center fielder and No. 3 hitter, just as he was Friday when he hit his 19th homer of the season. Napoli, who has a stomach ailment, hopes to play Sunday.

Blue Jays lineup vs. RHP Colby Lewis: Yunel Escobar, ss; Colby Rasmus, cf; Jose Bautista, rf; Edwin Encarnacion, dh; J.P. Arencibia, c; Eric Thames, lf; Brett Lawrie, 3b; David Cooper, 1b; Omar Vizquel, 2b.

Rangers lineup vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez: Ian Kinsler, 2b; Elvis Andrus, ss; Josh Hamilton, cf; Adrian Beltre, 3b; Michael Young, dh; David Murphy, lf; Nelson Cruz, rf; Yorvit Torrealba, c; Mitch Moreland, 1b.

-- Jeff Wilson

 

 

 

Wrapping up Rangers 14-3 victory over Blue Jays

Derek Holland cut his hair and had his best start to date. Nelson Cruz matched his career-high with eight RBIs. But, as Ron Washington said, it was the 13-pitch walk that Ian Kinsler drew to start off the game that set the tone for the Rangers' 14-3 victory over the Blue Jays on Friday at a sold-out Rangers Ballpark.

Here are a few postgame notes from it:

* The Rangers jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the first. It's the third time Texas has taken that big of a lead in the first this season, along with April 21 at Detroit and May 11 vs. the Los Angeles Angels.

* Derek Holland improved to 4-3 on the season, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and a season-high nine strikeouts over 7 1/3 innings. It was Holland's first victory since May 10.

* Nelson Cruz had eight RBIs. He hit an opposite field grand slam in the seventh off Toronto reliever Jason Frasor. It's the second time Cruz has had eight RBIs in a game. He joins teammate Josh Hamilton, who had eight RBIs in his four homer game against Baltimore, as the only players in the big leagues to have eight-RBI games this season.

* Yorvit Torrealba belted his first home run of the season, a solo shot in the third. Torrealba got the start after Mike Napoli was scratched with an upset stomach.

* The Rangers announced a sellout crowd of 46,780. It's the 14th sellout at Rangers Ballpark this season, third-most in franchise history.

-- Drew Davison

Sporting new haircut, Derek Holland pitches Rangers to victory

Derek Holland located his fastball down in the strike zone, and he mixed in his off-speed pitches well against Toronto on Friday night. Those were the two keys for him to bounce back from a subpar outing in his last start in which he couldn’t lock down a four-run lead against Houston.

But Holland couldn’t get away from the talk that his new haircut might have had something to do with it, too, as he picked up his first victory since May 10 in the Rangers’ 14-3 rout of the Blue Jays.

Holland decided to get rid of the awful hairdo he has sported since spring training by going with a traditional buzz cut. He cut it himself on Thursday night, but missed a few spots that fellow pitcher Scott Feldman gladly pointed out.

Mike Adams straightened Holland’s hair out before the game.

“When I first came in and everyone saw it, I got a nice roar from my teammates,” Holland said. “I felt it was necessary to do. The hair wasn’t getting many wins, so let’s try something different.”

Said Ian Kinsler on Holland's night: "I think it's the hair. He finally got rid of that stuff, so he can be taken seriously."

Holland, who hasn’t shaved his bad mustache – yet, turned in his best performance of the season. He went 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and a season-high nine strikeouts.

“Huge improvement from the start before,” Holland said. “I didn’t want anyone panicking because I had one bad start.”

-- Drew Davison

Final: Rangers 14, Blue Jays 3

ARLINGTON – Derek Holland couldn’t lock down a four-run lead in his last start against Houston. He had no trouble making a lead that kept growing, from six to eight to 13 at its peak, stand against Toronto on Friday night.

Holland turned in his best pitching performance and was backed by plenty of offensive support, including an eight-RBI night by Nelson Cruz, as the Texas Rangers routed the Blue Jays, 14-3, in a three-game series opener at Rangers Ballpark.

Holland went 7 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on five hits with one walk and a season-high nine strikeouts.

The Rangers’ offense came alive in the first, knocking out Brandon Morrow before he could get through it.

Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus drew walks to start the game, and Adrian Beltre, Cruz and Mitch Moreland followed with run-scoring hits as Texas grabbed a 6-0 lead.

The Rangers added single runs in the second and third with solo home runs by Josh Hamilton and Yorvit Torrealba. It was Hamilton’s American League-leading 19^th blast, and Torrealba’s first.

The Rangers cushioned their lead with two runs in the sixth with RBI singles by Cruz and Moreland. In the seventh, Cruz belted an opposite field grand slam off Blue Jays reliever Jason Frasor.

The eight RBIs matched Cruz’s career-high, as he did it on July 22, 2011 against Toronto. It ties Hamilton for the most RBIs in a game this season. Hamilton had eight during his four home run game against Baltimore earlier this month.

Toronto had catcher Jeff Mathis pitch the eighth.

-- Drew Davison

A look at the Rangers 'Stars & Stripes' hat

The Rangers and all other 29 major-league teams will be wearing 'Stars & Stripes' hats on Memorial Day and Independence Day for the fifth consecutive year, as designed by New Era. This year, though, the caps aren't red, white and blue blue, but instead with feature the teams' regular colors with a camouflage logo. Here's a look at the Rangers' design:     

 

New Rangers song about to hit iTunes

Move over, That's the Way Baseball Go. A rap song has been written by a Seattle group at the behest of Mike Adams, and he believes that Texas Back at It will hit iTunes on Monday.

In the piece, written and performed by INK featuring Illicit, Zica and Pain, 20 of the 25 Rangers players are mentioned in some way, shape or form. Adams armed the group with players nicknames and clubhouse themes, which pop up frequently over the 3-minute song.

The players first heard it in Seattle, though the group was unable to be at Safeco Field.

“The guys loved it,” said Adams, who was first introduced to the group when he was with San Diego. “They wanted to hear it over and over.”

-- Jeff Wilson

Tonight's lineups: Rangers vs. Blue Jays

Mike Napoli was in the original starting lineup for the Texas Rangers, but was scratched with an upset stomach. Yorvit Torrealba takes his place, as the Rangers open a three-game series against Toronto tonight at Rangers Ballpark. Here are the full lineups:

Texas -- 1. Ian Kinsler (2B); 2. Elvis Andrus (SS); 3. Josh Hamilton (CF); 4. Adrian Beltre (3B); 5. Michael Young (1B); 6. David Murphy (LF); 7. Nelson Cruz (RF); 8. Yorvit Torrealba (C); 9. Mitch Moreland (DH). Pitcher -- Derek Holland (3-3, 4.27 ERA)

Toronto -- 1. Kelly Johnson (2B); 2. Yunel Escobar (SS); 3. Jose Bautista (RF); 4. Edwin Encarnacion (DH); 5. J.P. Arencibia (C); 6. Colby Rasmus (CF); 7. Brett Lawrie (3B); 8. Yan Gomes (1B); 9. Rajai Davis (CF). Pitcher -- Brandon Morrow (5-2, 2.63 ERA)

-- Drew Davison

Friday's Rangers pregame notes: Feliz prefers rotation; Napoli scratched

Neftali Feliz wants to stay in the Texas Rangers' rotation when he returns from right elbow inflammation.

Feliz made his first public comments since landing on the disabled list, and made it clear that he views himself as a starter instead of a reliever. He moved into the rotation this season after spending two years as the team's closer.

The Rangers have been looking at options with Feliz down, and have gone with Scott Feldman so far. Feldman started on Wednesday at Seattle, and is scheduled to start again on Tuesday. The team has said it would consider all options, including the possiblity of signing free agent right-hander Roy Oswalt.

Here are other notes from Friday:

* Catcher Mike Napoli was in the original starting lineup for the Rangers, but was scratched with an upset stomach. Manager Ron Washington expects Napoli to be ready to catch on Saturday afternoon.

* Ron Washington said the team will consider shortening their batting practice rounds with the heat starting to pick up in the Metroplex. They had a full round of BP scheduled on Friday, but might alter their plans for the rest of the weekend.

* The Rangers have gone 4-6 over their past 10 games, and went 10-10 on their stretch of 20 games in 20 days. Ron Washington said the team is in a little bit of a "lull," but wasn't too concerned about it at this point in the season. "Things got a little flat, but it's a long year," Washington said. "You never know when things are going to turn around. We're going to break out and get back on a roll."

-- Drew Davison

Rangers acquire LHP John Gaub on waiver claim

The Texas Rangers claimed left-hander John Gaub on a waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. Gaub has been added to the Rangers 40-man roster. A corresponding move wasn't necessary, as the Rangers had 39 players on the 40-man after releasing -- and later re-signing -- right-hander Justin Miller last month.

Gaub, 27, will go to Triple A Round Rock. At Triple A Durham, Gaub went 0-1 with one save and a 4.32 ERA over 16 relief appearances. He was a 21st round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft by the Cleveland Indians, and has also spent time in the Cubs organization.

He made his big-league debut with the Cubs in 2011, posting a 6.75 ERA over four relief appearances.

-- Drew Davison

Rangers homestand highlights: Tony Romo, Jason Dufner to throw out first pitches

The Texas Rangers are coming off a six-game road trip and a stretch of 20 games in 20 days in which they went 10-10. They return home on Friday with three-game series against Toronto and Seattle.

All reserved tickets have been sold out for the Toronto series except for a limited number of obstructed view and scattered single seats. In addition, more than 2,000 standing room only tickets remain for each game of the series.

The Rangers have gone 11-9 so far at home, and here are the highlights for the upcoming homestand:

May 25-27 vs. Toronto: The Blue Jays make their only trip to Texas this weekend. Friday is a night game followed by 2:05 p.m. contests on Saturday and Sunday. PGA Tour professional Jason Dufner, who won the 2012 HP Byron Nelson Championship, will throw out the first pitch on Friday. ... On Saturday, there is a pre-game concert by Casting Crowns at noon on the north lawn.

May 28-29 vs. Seattle: The Rangers face the Mariners for the second time in a week with three night games. On Monday -- Memorial Day -- the National Anthem will be performed by the 531st Air Force Band Brass Quintet. On Wednesday, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

-- Drew Davison