Roy Oswalt says he's frustrated at himself

August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
8:00
AM CT
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas Rangers pitcher Roy Oswalt was asked about his body language in the moments after he was taken out of Thursday's game and as he watched from the dugout as the Twins tied the score, giving Oswalt a no-decision. The Rangers ended up winning the game, 10-6, thanks to a six-run eighth inning.

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Oswalt, whose role has changed from a starter in the rotation to someone who pitches out of the bullpen and makes spot starts, said he was "disgusted" with himself for his 0-2 pitch in the sixth inning to Matt Carson that allowed the leadoff batter to reach base.

"I had two strikes and the ball came back over the plate," Oswalt said. "I tried to throw the ball six or seven inches over the plate. It came over the plate and got hit."

Oswalt said he threw a changeup to the next batter, Trevor Plouffe, who managed to get just enough of it to send it to right field. Once Jamey Carroll hit a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third, that was the end of Oswalt's night after 5 1/3 innings and 77 pitches. He didn't look happy as he left the mound and then sat in the dugout, arms folded, as Michael Kirkman allowed both of those runners to score to tie the game and end Oswalt's chance at a win.

The frustration comes five days after his body language was a source of attention on twitter and with Rangers fans when he was seen in the dugout not talking to teammates shortly after manager Ron Washington took him out one out shy of qualifying for a win. That was a one-run game with a runner at second and Washington preferred a different matchup, choosing to go to the bullpen.

Oswalt was asked about his demeanor and if he's still enjoying himself on the field.

"I love playing," Oswalt said.

He was asked if he enjoyed playing in Texas.

"Yes," Oswalt said.

Oswalt was also asked about the odd moment when the trainer and Washington came onto the field in the sixth inning to look at him. Turns out that pitching coach Mike Maddux, Oswalt and the infield just wanted a bunt defense from Washington. Assistant athletic trainer Kevin Harmon thought they were signaling him to come to the mound. It created a light moment and had Oswalt and everyone else smiling.
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

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