Rookie Taylor Teagarden is supposed to be more of a defensive catcher. 

Gary Sheffield has never had a three-homer game in his career. 

Texas Rangers right-hander Brandon McCarthy left his start against the Detroit Tigers on Monday in the first inning with a strained flexor tendon on his pitching hand. 

As the season winds down and it becomes more difficult to get -- or keep -- designated hitter Milton Bradley on the field, the Rangers must consider other options for the important fourth spot in the lineup. 

--RHP Vicente Padilla received a no-decision for his start, keeping him unbeaten against AL West opponents this season. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Joaquin Benoit (sore right shoulder) was unavailable Sept. 

Dontrelle Willis is likely pitching for his future with the Detroit Tigers. 

Aaron Cunningham hit his first major league homer, a three-run shot that broke an eighth-inning tie and lifted the Oakland Athletics over the Texas Rangers 7-4 Sunday. 

Aaron Cunningham hit his first major league homer, a three-run shot that broke an eighth-inning tie and lifted the Oakland Athletics over the Texas Rangers 7-4 Sunday. 

Aaron Cunningham hit his first major league homer, a three-run shot that broke an eighth-inning tie and lifted the Oakland Athletics over the Texas Rangers 7-4 Sunday. 

The Oakland Athletics long ago decided to focus on the future rather than 2008 season. 

Despite their season success at McAfee Coliseum, the Texas Rangers missed an opportunity to secure their first road sweep of the Oakland Athletics in over three years. 

Long after the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse had cleared out Saturday, Jack Cust remained locked away in a side room studying video of himself batting. 

Long after the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse had cleared out Saturday, Jack Cust remained locked away in a side room studying video of himself batting. 

Long after the Oakland Athletics' clubhouse had cleared out Saturday, Jack Cust remained locked away in a side room studying video of himself batting.