Today's lineup; a few early notes

Nelson Cruz came in for treatment Thursday on his stiff back and declared himself ready to play tonight. David Murphy will sit against left-hander Scott Kazmir, who is coming off the disabled list to start for Tampa Bay tonight. Andruw Jones will be the left-fielder, and Hank Blalock will be the DH.

Rangers lineup

Ian Kinsler, 2b

Michael Young, 3b

Marlon Byrd, cf

Andruw Jones, lf

Hank Blalock, dh

Nelson Cruz, rf

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, c

Chris Davis, 1b

Elvis Andrus, ss

Manager Ron Washington said that Taylor Teagarden is likely to catch a day a week more as Washington tries to keep his catchers fresh as the summer heat sets in. The scoreboard thermometer reads 100 right now.

Brandon McCarthy, who still isn't throwing, said the plan calls for his arm slot to remain the same now, though he could change depending on how his new mechanics feel once he's able to get on a mound. He said the slot might look different, depending on how he tilts during his delivery, but the plan is to keep where it's always been.

Still no word on the return date of Josh Hamilton, who is rehabbing in Triple-A Oklahoma City. The Rangers want his timing right before he is activated from the disabled list.

-- Jeff Wilson

Comments

[David]

Great post. Good job guys.