--RHP Kevin Millwood, who has had short spring trainings in each of the last two seasons, has been very effective in his first two turns through the rotation. Millwood has pitched five scoreless innings those two outings.
--RHP Josh Rupe, who is out of minor league options and is fighting for a spot in a crowded bullpen, has been perhaps the most effective reliever in camp. Rupe allowed just two baserunners in three innings in his first three outings. Rupe tied for the major league lead in relief innings in 2008 with 89 1/3. --LHP C.J. Wilson injured his left index finger when he tried to bare-hand a grounder last week, but the Rangers hoped it wasn't serious. Wilson left his March 4 appearance after just one batter because of swelling to the finger. He was sent for X-rays, but the club did not get an immediate report. If there is no break or hairline fracture, Wilson could be back quickly. With a number of uncertainties in the bullpen, the Rangers can ill afford to lose Wilson, who appears to be one of three relievers who have already secured jobs.
--Two lefty relievers have apparently lost out on jobs before a battle could even develop. LHP Joe Torres (back spasms) has been sore for more than a week, and LHP Kason Gabbard, who pitched in a game environment (albeit a "B" game environment) Friday, is not expected to be at full strength for the start of the season. Gabbard underwent surgery to remove a bone spur last summer.
--INF Joaquin Arias had an impressive first week of games, but as has been the norm for his career, circumstances short-circuited any challenge he might make for a roster spot. His father became gravely ill in the Dominican Republic, and Arias had to leave camp for a week. He was expected back Wednesday but might have lost too much ground to veteran INF Omar Vizquel to mount much of a challenge.
BY THE NUMBERS: 8 -- RHP Neftali Feliz's strikeout total from his first two outings, which consisted of four innings. Feliz, however, had also allowed seven hits and three walks in those two outings while struggling with the command of his overpowering fastball. Though he was likely to be among the first players sent back to the minor league camp, Feliz has shown flashes of talent.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "If I'm looking at things from the other side of the table like a fan, I'm probably looking at it from the same perspective, too. I can certainly understand that when a guy with the kind of injury history that I've had comes down with some soreness, people are going to be frustrated. It's frustrating for me to read about their frustrations, but their feelings are certainly understandable." -- RHP Brandon McCarthy on Internet "chatter" about a minor bout of shoulder soreness that pushed his scheduled "A" game start to a "B" game on Friday.
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