Notes: Leonys Martin gets his first start

March, 12, 2012
3/12/12
3:37
PM CT
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Outfielder Leonys Martin made his first Cactus League start Monday against the Seattle Mariners.

Martin played center fielder and hit ninth. Manager Ron Washington said it would be his first chance to get a good look at one of the Rangers' top prospects.

Martin, 24, is ranked 79th on Baseball America's Top 100 prospects list. In his six previous appearances this spring, Martin was 2-for-12 with two walks and two strikeouts. Martin showed off his power in his second game with a solo home run against the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 6. He also had a hit in Sunday's game against the Cleveland Indians.

"The kid can swing the bat he can do some things," Washington said.

Other notes:

*Monday was the second straight game the regulars were scheduled to play. Washington said they should get the day off tomorrow. From there, they'll play three straight games then get another day off.

Looking at the lineups from Sunday and Monday, Elvis Andrus, Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young and Nelson Cruz should get the day off Tuesday.

*Washington said there's still time to get Mike Napoli enough at-bats in spring training. Napoli missed his third straight game Monday due to mild left groin tightness. If necessary, Napoli could lead off every inning during the team's B games to pile up plate appearances. Washington did that with Mitch Moreland on Sunday and he went a combined 5-for-5 in the A and B games.

*Washington said pitcher Greg Reynolds has done a good job in his two outings. Reynolds hasn't allowed a hit in four innings and picked up one of his two strikeouts Sunday. Washington said the non-roster invitee's name will certainly come up when the staff has its first meeting sometime this week.

"[He's] sinking the ball, good breaking ball," Washington said. "He's been getting outs. He's certainly been taking care of his part."

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TEAM LEADERS

WINS LEADER
Yu Darvish
WINS ERA SO IP
7 2.84 91 66
OTHER LEADERS
BAI. Kinsler .302
HRN. Cruz 11
RBIN. Cruz 33
RE. Andrus 29
OPSM. Moreland .905
ERAY. Darvish 2.84
SOY. Darvish 91

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