ARLINGTON, Texas -- Mitch Moreland's hot bat has earned him a rare start against a left-handed pitcher. Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington has inserted Moreland into the lineup today instead of Mike Olt against southpaw Brian Duensing.

Moreland is 0-for-6 with three strikeouts against Duensing in his career, but the skipper believes Moreland is swinging the bat better and is ready to produce against the lefty. Moreland is hitting .219 (7-for-32) this season against lefties.

"I wanted to let him have his shot off a lefty," Washington said. "Just wanted to throw Moreland a bone, give him a chance.

Washington said next time against a lefty, Olt might be in the lineup. But he wanted to see how Moreland would do. Washington gave David Murphy more chances against left-handed pitching and the outfielder has taken advantage. We'll see if Moreland can do the same.

"His stroke is real short right now and when he's doing well, he doesn't do a lot of chasing," Washington said. "So we'll see what happens."

Other notes:

* Koji Uehara came out of his bullpen OK and if he checks out today, he's expected to rejoin the team Sunday. That means the Rangers will have to make a move with one of the relievers. Tanner Scheppers and Michael Kirkman both have options, so they are candidates to get sent down. "He's a winning piece," Washington said about Uehara. "He was pitching well before the injury. We've sent him through a lot to get here." Uehara was originally put on the disabled list retro to June 10 with a right lat strain and had a setback during rehab last month, so it's been a while since he pitched in a big league game.

* Mike Napoli said he felt good after catching Derek Holland's bullpen Friday. The key was to see how Napoli reacted to squatting, and he said the quad was fine. He also ran around the infield Friday, but has yet to run the bases. Washington said the club isn't worried about Napoli running the bases because he's been doing the treadmill and running fine. The question was lateral movement and squatting. He'll go through some agility drills Sunday and if all goes well, could be out for a rehab assignment early next week.

* Washington said he wouldn't be surprised if Michael Young is back from paternity list Sunday. Whenever he does get back, Washington indicated the club will stick with the eight-man bullpen, meaning Luis Hernandez probably returns to Triple-A Round Rock.

* Yu Darvish had a brief throwing session and went through his usual routine as he prepares for his Tuesday start. He's expected to speak to the media Sunday.