The Rangers have serious bullpen issues. Closer Frank Francisco and converted starter Jason Jennings combined to pitch 4 1/3 innings without allo
wing 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:
--OF David Murphy did not start for the second consecutive game due to a hitless start to the season. Murphy, who was 0-for-2 as a late substitution after the game was out of hand, is hitless in 15 at-bats this season. He was the only major leaguer to enter Friday's game with at least 10 at-bats and no hits.
--2B Ian Kinsler, who went 6-for-6 with a cycle Wednesday, extended his streak of consecutive at-bats with a hit to eight before flying out in the fifth inning. Kinsler also had a walk giving him nine straight plate appearances in which he reached safely. The club record for consecutive hits is 10 and for reaching safely in consecutive plate appearances is 13. Both were set by Frank Catalanotto in 2000.
--RHP Dustin Nippert, on the DL with a side muscle strain, received a cortisone injection to try and speed up recovery. Nippert is not scheduled to throw for several days and then the club will re-assess. He does not appear to be an option for the bullpen until May 1 -- at the earliest.
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
