And The Beat Goes On: Aug. 28th

This seems like as good a morning as any for some more Nujabes:

● Louie Horvath talks about last night's calamitous game for C.J. Wilson and the Rangers, with Wilson saying that he gave up home runs on a sinker, a change-up, a fastball, and a slider, and remarking that "it was a smorgasbord of bad home-run pitches." His four home runs allowed is a new single-appearance career high, dwarfing his previous career high of two (allowed on multiple occasions) ... Ervin Santana, meanwhile, four-hit the Rangers over seven innings despite going on three days' rest for the first time in his major league career, and despite having led all American League starters in pitches thrown during the month of August going into the start, and despite the oppressive conditions in Arlington.

Having watched nearly all of that game, I feel I can safely say that the Rangers were lucky to score even four runs given their appearance at the plate. Texas may not get so lucky on Sunday Night Baseball with Jered Weaver on the bump. 

● Matt Harrison had been scheduled to start on Tuesday against Tampa Bay, but, out of concern for his innings count, will be skipped this time through the rotation in favor of Scott Feldman. Alexi Ogando is also slated to be skipped over at least once in the next month (well, that sort of fulfills one of the bullet points from my second-half wish list). Wilson will continue pitching every fifth day down the stretch, regardless of days off, which will buy Colby Lewis and Derek Holland a little extra rest as well.

● Gil LeBreton laments the Rangers failing to put the division away when they had the chance in Anaheim, and says tonight's game will be as important as any regular season game played by the Rangers in the last decade. Andres Blanco will go out on a rehab assignment on Monday, but won't be able to swing from the left side of the plate for the remainder of the season due to his present physical limitations. Adrian Beltre thinks he could make it back from his impending rehab assignment in as few as two games. Drew Davison discusses the return of Mike Olt.