The Rangers have serious bullpen issues. Closer Frank Francisco and converted starter Jason Jennings combined to pitch 4 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run in the first week. But the other five members of the bullpen -- LHP C.J. Wilson, LHP Eddie Guardado, RHP Scott Feldman, RHP Josh Rupe and RHP Warner Madrigal -- compiled a composite 12.70 ERA for 11 1/3 innings of work. They complicated matters by allowing 12 "free" bases on walks or hit batsman. The Rangers have two relievers, RHPs Dustin Nippert and RHP Willie Eyre, who began rehab assignments over the weekend and could be in the majors by the end of the week if the bullpen doesn't work out the kinks. The state of the bullpen was considered the biggest unsolved issue at the end of spring training.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Dustin Nippert was sidelined from his rehab assignment with Class AA Frisco because of a strained side muscle. Nippert will have to rest for at least a week before he can begin another rehab assignment. It appears he won't return before May 1.
--The Rangers have moved LHP A.J. Murray, who is coming back from rotator cuff inflammation, from extended spring training to Class AA Frisco. Murray could become an option for the bullpen if LHP Eddie Guardado or LHP C.J. Wilson continue to struggle. Though Murray was used as a starter last year for 11 games (nine in the minors, two in the majors), he is moving back to the bullpen on a more permanent basis.
--Expect the Rangers to find more playing time in left field for OFs Andruw Jones and Marlon Byrd. Jones is 6-for-11 with four walks for a .688 on-base percentage. Byrd is 10-for-24 (.417), though he hasn't taken a walk. Compare that to left-handed-hitting OF David Murphy, who could lose playing time. Murphy is hitless in 13 at-bats this season. He has reached based on three walks.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Dustin Nippert (upper back soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Frisco on April 11, but he strained a muscle in his side. He's not expected back before May 1.
RHP Joaquin Benoit (rotator cuff surgery in January 2009) went on the 60-day disabled list April 5. He is out for at least the first half of the season but could miss the entire year.
RHP Eric Hurley (rotator cuff surgery in January 2009) went on the 60-day disabled list April 5. He is out for the year.
ROTATION:
RHP Kevin Millwood
RHP Vicente Padilla
RHP Brandon McCarthy
RHP Kris Benson
LHP Matt Harrison
BULLPEN:
RHP Frank Francisco (closer)
LHP C.J. Wilson
LHP Eddie Guardado
RHP Scott Feldman
RHP Josh Rupe
RHP Jason Jennings
RHP Willie Eyre
CATCHERS:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Taylor Teagarden
INFIELDERS:
1B Chris Davis
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
INF Omar Vizquel
OUTFIELDERS:
LF David Murphy
CF Josh Hamilton
RF Nelson Cruz
DH Hank Blalock
OF Andruw Jones
OF Marlon Byrd
