--3B Hank Blalock was scratched from the lineup shortly before the game with an upset stomach. Blalock had played nine consecutive games since returning from a three-month stay on the DL.
--RHP Eric Hurley, whose velocity was significantly down in his Sunday start, said after a long-toss session that he is physically fine to make his Friday start against Toronto. Hurley's velocity ranged from 85-88 mph in two innings against Oakland. His fastball had been in the 89-92 mph range. --Though he was charged with five runs, RHP Scott Feldman continues to give the Rangers what they need most from a starter: innings. He pitched six innings Monday and has gone at least six in 12 of his 16 starts.
--OF Nelson Cruz did not homer for Triple-A Oklahoma on Monday but did drive in four runs, giving him 97 for the season. Cruz is likely to get called up, perhaps shortly after the trade deadline. He is hitting .351 and has 37 home runs, including 11 in the past 11 games.
--With temperatures in Arlington expected to be above 100 all week -- it was 101 degrees at game time Monday -- the Rangers are going to start taking precautions against the heat and significantly limit their time outside. The Rangers began a stretch Monday of 20 home dates in 26 games.
BY THE NUMBERS: 35 -- Number of the Rangers' final 57 games that will be played in Arlington. The Rangers began the season's longest homestand (11 games) on Monday. It also begins a stretch of 26 games in which 20 will be played at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I definitely don't want to be a backup. But there's nothing I can say about it. I did what I could do while I was in there; now they've made a decision to go the other way." -- C Jarrod Saltalamacchia on returning to the backup role behind Gerald Laird.
