ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington isn't sounding any alarm bells when it comes to his club's defense.

The Rangers have allowed unearned runs at a high rate. They lead the American League with 29 unearned runs this season. They have allowed 26 of those runs since May 1. Friday was the third straight game in which the Rangers gave up multiple unearned runs. It's the first time they've allowed two or more unearned runs in three straight games during the Washington era (last time was Sept. 6, 7 and 9, 2005).

"I don't think anybody can look out there at our team and say we don't play defense," Washington said. "It happens. We'll get it back together."

Washington said the fact that he has a squad full of players with a good track record of defense makes him certain that they are just in a lull and will work their way out of it.

"It would be different if guys had a record of poor defense," Washington said. "These guys don't."

Other notes:

* The trade deadline is still nearly two months away, but there's little doubt one thing manager Ron Washington would like to see his club go out and get: a veteran, right-handed bat for the bench.

"That's the best-case scenario," Washington said. "Maybe an everyday player whose role has been reduced, but has experience. It's not easy to find those guys and everybody wants them."

Much of the media's pregame session with Washington centered around the bench. He talked about his late-inning options and how he best tries to use them. It's not that Washington doesn't have right-handed bats. He does. But he doesn't have that big bat that can alter an late inning with one swing.

Brandon Snyder has worked hard to find his role, but is still learning. Alberto Gonzalez is the club's utility infielder and a right-handed bat, but he's hitting .267 in limited action. Craig Gentry, who starts against most left-handers, has speed, but not a ton of power.

Washington does not want to shorten his bullpen in order to try to carry another bat. And it's unclear who from the minors might come up if that were the case anyway.

* The pitchers are expected to take batting practice twice in Oakland in preparation for next weekend's visit to San Francisco.

* Robbie Ross joked that when he got to the majors, he never thought he'd be milking a cow on a baseball field. Ross lost a competition with Angels' Kole Calhoun, but said he enjoyed himself. He received a block of cheese for participating.