ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers came into the season with too many starting pitchers, if there is such thing. But when the injury bug hit the rotation, they needed an answer, and they found one in Colby Lewis.

Lewis started the season 3-0, but after losing his next three starts, no one expected the performances he's had in recent weeks.

In his last six starts, Lewis has pitched into the seventh inning five times. His record during the same time is just 3-2, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Lewis has a given up two earned runs or less in five of those six outings, and Lewis said he's had a little luck on his side during his recent success.

“My approach doesn’t change," Lewis said. "It hasn’t from day one. There’s nothing that wasn’t working in the starts that I gave up runs. I think sometimes things go your way and sometimes they don’t. ... It’s just one of those things you don’t read much into, and you keep going out and doing what makes you good.”

Lewis is heading into Saturday's start against the Colorado Rockies coming off back-to-back wins.

"I think every team that knows about Colby has got a lot of respect for Colby," manager Ron Washington said. "I don't think anyone is overlooking Colby. I think when Colby goes out there and does well, it's because Colby's capable of doing exactly what he's doing. I don't think it's because some teams are taking him lightly. He executes as good as anybody I've ever seen."

According to Washington, that success is all about execution. And it couldn't have come at a better time.

Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, Alexi Ogando and Koji Uehara are on the disabled list. The Rangers bullpen was suffering and needed a break, and luckily, Lewis came through. The 32-year-old has thrown complete games in two of his last three starts to save the bullpen.

“I prepare myself regardless of the situation that is going on around me," Lewis said. "You want to go out there and put up innings and try to help the bullpen and help the staff. I’ve been fortunate enough to throw up a lot of innings to relieve some of that pressure. It’s just the way it’s worked out.”

And lately, things are working out in a big way for Lewis.