The Rangers continue to tweak their struggling bullpen, partly because of ineffectiveness and partly because of health. In one five-day span over the last 10 days, the Rangers added three pitchers to the bullpen: LHP Derek Holland (called up to make his major league debut), RHP Darren O'Day (claimed on waivers from the New York Mets) and RHP Luis Mendoza (called up from Class AAA). O'Day quickly appeared for the Rangers, getting into an extra-inning game just 20 minutes after arriving at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. He allowed a game-winning hit to Kevin Millar.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Frank Francisco ran his streak to 11 consecutive converted save opportunities with a six-pitch ninth inning Tuesday. Since taking over as closer late last August, Francisco has not blown a save and has not allowed an earned run in 21 2/3 innings. He's now picked up four saves in the Rangers' last five games.
--C Jarrod Saltalamacchia had a two-run, game-tying single in the sixth inning to extend his hitting streak to a career-best eight games. Saltalamacchia is hitting .400 (12-for-30) during the hitting streak.
--RHP Kris Benson, on the disabled list with elbow tendinitis, threw a bullpen session but is still not scheduled for a rehab outing. He is expected to throw at least once more before going on a rehab start, meaning RHP Scott Feldman probably remains in the rotation for at least two more starts.
MEDICAL WATCH:
OF Josh Hamilton (sore ribs) didn't play from April 25-28. He won't play April 29, and the team will determine April 30 whether he needs a stint on the disabled list.
RHP Willie Eyre (right groin strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 23. He had begun the season on the DL with the same injury.
RHP Kris Benson (right elbow tendinitis) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 16. He threw a bullpen session April 28.
RHP Dustin Nippert (upper back soreness) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 22. He began a rehab assignment with Class AA Frisco on April 11, but he strained a muscle in his side.
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 Scott Feldman
LHP Matt Harrison
BULLPEN:
RHP Frank Francisco (closer)
LHP C.J. Wilson
LHP Eddie Guardado
LHP Derek Holland
RHP Jason Jennings
RHP Luis Mendoza
RHP Darren O'Day
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
