Rangers Look For Sweep Against Brew Crew

Incredibly thrilling win last night, one that we'll probably all remember for a long time, and the Rangers are now in position to sweep the Brewers.

Mark Teixeira will apparently miss more than just 15 days, as his left quad strain is now being described as "severe." Hard to say what this will do to the trade market for Tex, as there could be some lingering effects from the injury even after he returns. I'm starting to suspect, though, that the Rangers are going to demand a pretty big package for Tex, and if they don't get it they're not going to deal him. Brad Wilkerson will serve as his replacement at first base in the meantime.

With Kameron Loe now in AAA, it appears as though Jamey Wright will get his rotation spot back. Wright made his third rehab start today against Round Rock, giving up six runs on ten hits and two walks in 6.2 innings. He struck out just three, but still picked up the win as the Redhawks won 8-6.

The Rangers will not need a fifth starter until Saturday against the Reds, at which point they plan to activate Wright. If Loe had pitched even remotely decent, he would probably still be in the big leagues, but it just hasn't worked out that way.

Adam Melhuse was officially added to the 25-man roster today, with Chris Stewart being optioned to AAA. To make room on the 40-man roster, Jamey Wright has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list, but that's simply a temporary move. When Wright is activated, Oklahoma's Freddy Guzman could find himself being designated for assignment.

Evan Grant says that the Rangers will essentially pick up the rest of Melhuse's $815,000 contract, and that the Rangers hope Melhuse will serve as a "tutor and mentor" to starting catcher Gerald Laird. There seems to be growing concern that Laird's gamecalling ability isn't totally up to par; I don't know how much stock I put into this theory, but when you're on pace to have the worst starting rotation ERA in baseball history, I suppose you have to wonder.

Travis Metcalf is expected to get regular time at third base until Teixeira returns from the disabled list, with Ramon Vazquez being relegated to a bench role for now.

As far as the Jason Botts watch goes, he went 1 for 4 today with an RBI single. Last night, Botts went 3 for 3 with 2 HR, two walks, two runs scored and three RBI. His stat line on the Redhawks website hasn't been updated yet to reflect today's performance, but as of last night he was hitting a whopping .317/.421/.513.

Bob Hersom of the Daily Oklahoman has a nice piece out discussing the addition of a new leg kick to Botts' batting stance, which Jason says has made his swing shorter and quicker. It would also help explain Botts' poor start to the season, as he batted just .200 with 1 HR in the month of April. I'd like to see Jon Daniels and Co. try to justify leaving Botts in AAA if he continues to kill the ball at this pace.

And finally, Sunday is Dog Night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Texas defeated Oakland on Dog Night last year, 4-3. Curiously enough, Jason Botts hit his first major league home run that night, a three run blast that landed in the upper home run porch.

Let's see if the Rangers have what it takes to win three games in a row.

Sunday, June 10th Game Preview

Milwaukee Brewers (33-29) at Texas Rangers (23-39)

Dave Bush (3-6, 5.67 ERA) vs. Vicente Padilla (2-8, 6.45 ERA)

7:35 PM CST in Arlington, Texas (Rangers Ballpark in Arlington)

TV: KDFI/My27 | Radio: KRLD 1080 AM