--CF Josh Hamilton appeared to hit a meaningless two-run homer in the eighth inning, but it did end up providing the difference in the final score. More memorable for Hamilton will be the length: 460 feet. That makes it the third longest homer in the history of Rangers Ballpark. Jose Canseco hit one 480 feet in 1994 and Tampa Bay's Paul Sorrento hit one 491 feet in 1999.
--RHP Frank Francisco still appears to be a long shot to appear in the weekend series against Los Angeles because of a cautious approach to his recovery from biceps tendinitis. Francisco was expected to throw in the bullpen on Saturday. If that happens, it will be unlikely that the Rangers would bring him back to throw in a game the next day. --RHP Kevin Millwood was pulled after six innings Friday, ending his streak of seven consecutive starts of at least seven innings. He and Toronto's Roy Halladay were the only AL pitchers this season to pitch at least seven innings every time out.
--LHP C.J. Wilson managed to get the final out of the game for his first save since July 30 of last year, despite walking the first batter he faced. With RHP Frank Francisco on the shelf (for even a couple of days), the Rangers may try to match up relievers with hitters based on whether the hitter is right-handed or left-handed. That could mean LHP Eddie Guardado might pitch to the first batter, RHP Darren O'Day might get the second and rookie LHP Derek Holland might be used for the best possible success.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Frank Francisco (right biceps tendinitis) was unavailable May 12-15. He probably won't pitch before May 17.
RHP Willie Eyre (right groin strain) went on the 15-day disabled list April 23. He threw a bullpen session May 13 and will throw another May 15.
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. He received an epidural injection in mid-May.
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 Kris Benson
RHP Darren O'Day
CATCHERS:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia
Taylor Teagarden
INFIELDERS:
1B Chris Davis
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Michael Young
DH Hank Blalock
INF Omar Vizquel
OUTFIELDERS:
LF David Murphy
CF Josh Hamilton
RF Nelson Cruz
OF Andruw Jones
OF Marlon Byrd
