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ARLINGTON, Texas -- Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Dan Straily entered Tuesday night’s game with a 7.27 ERA.

But, for one night, Straily outpitched the heralded Yu Darvish in the rarest of rare happenings at Rangers Ballpark, a game in which one run is enough to win. This marks only the 13th time a 1-0 result has been played since the stadium opened in 1994.

Yoenis Cespedes’ home run in the third inning off Darvish stood up as the game winner.

The Rangers offense came close to taking the night off. Three singles was all they could muster off Straily and two relievers, Sean Doolittle and Grant Balfour.

So dominant was the Oakland pitching that Texas never advanced a baserunner as far as second.

Texas' hits belonged to A.J. Pierzynski -- fresh off the disabled list -- in the third, Jurickson Profar in the fifth (caught stealing second) and Craig Gentry with an infield single in the eighth.

Streak breaker:
Darvish was starting for the sixth time after a loss on Tuesday. In the previous five tries, Darvish was 5-0. But the combination of no run support and Cespedes’ home run in the third inning denied Darvish a chance to win his eighth. A high pitch count plagued Darvish (7-2) once again. He left after six innings having thrown 101 pitches, only 56 for strikes.

Cespedes, batting with two out in the third, hit the first pitch he saw an estimated 401 feet over the center-field wall.

Setup man:
A case could be made for Tanner Scheppers to be in the running for most valuable Ranger so far. He has filled the eighth-inning setup role handled last season by Mike Adams. Scheppers came into Tuesday’s game with a 3-0 record, tied for the league lead in relief wins, and an ERA of 0.79. Prior to allowing a solo home run to Miguel Cabrera on Sunday, his scoreless streak stretched eight innings.

Scheppers recorded another shutout eighth inning on Tuesday, but not without some difficulty. A hit batsman and a walk put Scheppers in an immediate hole, but he worked his way out of trouble with the aid of a couple of strikeouts and a fly ball to right field with the bases loaded.

Defensive gems:
Elvis Andrus went to his left and made a diving stop of Chris Young’s ground ball. Andrus quickly popped back to his feet and made a strong throw that beat Young by a step. An inning later, Andrus made a brilliant double-play turn. Andrus came into the game with only one error this season, handling 158 total chances going into Tuesday’s game. But he picked up error No. 2 in the eighth inning when his throw pulled Profar off second base on a fielder’s choice grounder in the seventh.

Who’s on first?
The situation called for Profar, for just a moment, to become a first baseman. He looked quite comfortable making a first-baseman’s stretch to take a throw from Andrus and complete a double play in the fifth inning. Profar found himself at first base when Adam Rosales bunted in a sacrifice situation with Eric Sogard aboard.

Up next:
The Rangers wrap up the homestand against Oakland Wednesday at Rangers Ballpark. The Rangers' farm system will produce the starter for the second time in three games as Ross Wolf (1-0, 1.85 ERA at Triple-A Round Rock) draws the start for Texas, replacing Nick Tepesch, who is out with a blister on the middle finger of his right hand. The A’s will counter with right-hander Jarrod Parker (2-5, 6.04 ERA) at 1:05 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest and ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and 1540-AM.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jurickson Profar didn't get a hit in his first game of the 2013 season.

But he made two productive outs, driving in both runs in what was an otherwise dismal 9-2 loss for the Texas Rangers against the Oakland Athletics on Monday night.

"He handled his at-bats well tonight," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We scored two runs tonight. He got both."

Profar tied the game in the third inning. Geovany Soto drew a leadoff walk and Leonys Martin followed with a double to put runners at second and third. Profar got the count to 2-2 and was able to sneak a ground ball past the pitcher to score Soto and tie the game at 1.

"Once I got two strikes, I knew I just had to get the run in," Profar said. "I tried to drive the ball but I missed my pitch. So I battled and tried to get it in play."

Profar came up again with runners at first and third and an out in the bottom of the fifth. He took a called strike, then hit a fastball to straight-away center field for a sacrifice fly. It was the Rangers eighth sac fly in 45 games.

PODCAST
ESPN MLB Insider Jayson Stark joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss whether the Rangers are the best team in baseball, what makes them so good and whether he thinks the team will trade Jurickson Profar. Listen

"I was trying to be aggressive," Profar said. "He threw a pretty good pitch."

Profar grounded out to shortstop in his final at bat, making it an 0-for-2 night. He has three hits in 19 at-bats to start his big league career.

But the 20-year-old produced in must execute situations on Monday and that's a good start to his second tenure in the big leagues.

"We don't expect him to put us on his back," left fielder David Murphy said. "We know how talented he is and how productive he can be. He had a good night for us."

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Oakland Athletics jumped on Texas Rangers right-hander Josh Lindblom for four runs in the fifth inning and the A's went on to win 9-2 in the opening game of a three-game series Monday night.

The A's cut the Rangers' lead in the American League West to 5½ games, still the largest division lead in baseball.

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Lindblom hit hard: Making his major league debut, Lindblom got hit hard. He allowed seven hits and four runs in 4⅔ innings. Lindblom worked around a single and a walk in the first inning, but allowed a home run to Seth Smith to start the second inning. Lindblom allowed three doubles between four batters in the fifth inning. Coco Crisp had his third hit of the game against Lindblom, a double to left field. And Yoenis Cespedes and Brandon Moss followed with RBI doubles for a 3-1 lead.

Profar produces: Jurickson Profar, playing in his first game of the season, drove in the Rangers only two runs, and he did it with productive outs. He had a ground out to second base with a runner at third and one out in the third inning to tie the game 1-1. He had a sacrifice fly with runners at first and third and one out in the fifth inning to cut Oakland's lead to 5-2. Profar also showed off his range at second and made a nice play on a backhand stop in the fourth inning.

Ortiz struggles: Joe Ortiz allowed a run for the seventh time in 17 outings. He entered the game to get out the left-handed hitting Smith; lefties were batting .133 against Ortiz to start the game. But Smith got the best of the matchup, drilling a single to left field for a 4-1 A's lead. Chris Young followed with an RBI single for a 5-1 lead. Ortiz threw 40 pitches and had three walks.

Burns labors as well: The Rangers designated veteran Derek Lowe for assignment Monday to make room for Cory Burns in the bullpen. Burns allowed two runs in an inning of work. He got hurt by two grounds balls up the middle that went for singles, the second for an RBI for Eric Sogard.

Don't forget Kirkman: Struggling left-hander Michael Kirkman made it three straight relievers to give up a run, and four of the seven batters he faced got on base. Kirkman had two walks in the inning, giving him 13 walks in 18⅔ innings.

Murphy gets two more hits: David Murphy batted No. 2 in the Rangers' lineup for the third straight game and produced two singles in three at-bats. Murphy has four hits in 10 at-bats with a home run and five RBIs in his three games batting in the two-hole.

Twin killings: The Rangers grounded into three double plays in the first four innings. Lance Berkman and Mitch Moreland each hit into 3-6 double plays in the first two innings.

Up next: The Rangers will try to even the series with Oakland when they send right-hander Yu Darvish (7-1, 2.97 ERA) to the mound Tuesday against A's right-hander Dan Straily (1-2, 7.27) at 7:05 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest and ESPN-FM 103.3 and 1540-AM. Wednesday's series finale at 1:05 p.m. CT features right-hander Nick Tepesch (3-4, 3.98) against A's right-hander Jarrod Parker (2-5, 0.64).

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers manager Ron Washington said 20-year-old Jurickson Profar and utility man Leury Garcia will split time at second base while subbing for the injured Ian Kinsler.

PODCAST
ESPN MLB Insider Jayson Stark joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss whether the Rangers are the best team in baseball, what makes them so good and whether he thinks the team will trade Jurickson Profar. Listen

Profar was in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Oakland, his first game since being called up Sunday.

Washington touched again on wanting Profar to come in and not put pressure on himself to live up to being baseball's top prospect.

"I just want him to play baseball," Washington said. "He can be in the moment. I don't think he lets the hype get to him."

The fans will want to see Profar every day, but Washington said he wants to get Garcia starts to keep him fresh as the club's utility man.

"Leury's going to get some time there," Washington said. "So when you see Profar sitting, don't be surprised."

Bullpen restructuring: The Rangers restructured their bullpen before Monday's game, keeping right-hander Cory Burns and designating long reliever Derek Lowe for assignment.

The Rangers needed another right-hander to turn to in the later innings, and Burns had impressed in two outings, retiring all five batters he faced. Lowe had struggled in his past four games, allowing 11 runs in 5 1/3 innings. He was 1-0 overall with an 8.03 ERA.

Left-handed reliever Michael Kirkman, who has primarily started in the minor leagues, will slide into Lowe's spot as the long man out of the bullpen.

Washington said it wasn't easy to tell Lowe he was out, but there were no other choices. The Rangers weren't ready to send out lefty Joseph Ortiz, who has handled left-handed hitters. And they want to see more of righty Jason Frasor.

"It came down to numbers," Washington said. "This game doesn't work for you sometimes."

Burns stayed because he has an out pitch -- his changeup.

"We need right-handed help down there," Washington said. "[Burns] has out pitches right now."

Lindblom, young pitchers will miss Lowe: Monday starter Josh Lindblom, who is transitioning from being a reliever to being a starter, said he has had several conversations with Lowe, who also made the switch in Boston after the 2001 season. Lowe won 167 of his games after the move to being a starter.

That was one of the big values of having Lowe around, Washington said, for the young pitchers. The Rangers have two rookies and Lindblom currently in the starting rotation, plus another rookie, Ortiz, in the bullpen.

"It hurts because he had a presence," Washington said. "He brings value. It's something you can't buy. We had to make decisions. Not all are cut and dry."

Pierzynski still the No. 1 guy: Washington said he won't adjust the way he uses his catchers, with A.J. Pierzynski getting most of the starts and Geovany Soto playing one or two times a week.

Soto has been getting hot with regular playing time. He has five hits in 12 at-bats on the homestand with two home runs and four RBIs.

Pierzynski will start Tuesday when he's eligible to come off the disabled list.

Hickory pitchers dominate: The Low-A Hickory Crawdads allowed only one hit in 14 innings in a doubleheader sweep Sunday.

Right-hander C.J. Edwards went the distance in the first game, a 4-1 victory, allowing the lone hit. Four pitchers -- Luis Parra, Keone Kela, Ryan Bores and Alex Claudio -- combined for a no-hitter in the second game. Third baseman Joey Gallo hit his 12th home run in the first game.

Center fielder Lewis Brinson won the first game with a three-run homer in the seventh inning, his 10th of the year.

Jurickson Profar will make his first start of the season for the Rangers after being called up to replace Ian Kinsler. Profar is at second base and will hit ninth. Josh Lindblom is on the mound for the Rangers against Oakland's Bartolo Colon. Here are the lineups:

RANGERS
SS Elvis Andrus
LF David Murphy
DH Lance Berkman
3B Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Mitch Moreland
C Geovony Soto
CF Leonys Martin
2B Jurickson Profar

ATHLETICS
CF Coco Crisp
SS Jed Lowrie
LF Yoenis Cespedes
1B Brandon Moss
3B Josh Donaldson
DH Seth Smith
RF Chris Young
C Derek Norris
2B Eric Sogard

Yes, it's only May. But now that the season is a quarter of the way finished, it's a great time to figure out how teams measure up to one another. The Texas Rangers have the best record in the majors at 29-15. And they just completed taking three of four from the Detroit Tigers, the team that I believe is their stiffest competition in the American League. So what did we learn -- positives and negatives -- about this Rangers team? Here are a few:

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Reid Ryan joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his new position with the Houston Astros and whether he could see his dad, Nolan, joining him there in the future. Listen

The "no-quit" attitude of this team the past few years extends to this year's bunch. It would have been easy to eventually succumb to the power of Miguel Cabrera last night. He kept mashing homers and when he didn't, Prince Fielder hurt this team. Yet they kept battling. Cabrera was 4-for-4 with three homers and his team lost. That says a lot about the character of this Rangers team.

Lost in the fact that Texas fell to the Tigers on Friday was that Nick Tepesch hung in despite some ups and downs and that the bullpen held the best lineup in baseball to nothing in the final four innings. The Ranger bats couldn't do anything in the one-run loss. But it was the only loss in the series.

David Murphy seems to save his best at-bats for the biggest moments. His three-run homer on Sunday night came with two outs, his club down by two runs and after he fell behind in the count 0-2. He worked it back to 3-2 and then hit the home run to right to put the Rangers on top for good.

Which Rangers pitcher are you most looking forward to returning?

•  
  8%
  Joakim Soria
•  
  36%
  Neftali Feliz
•  
  40%
  Colby Lewis
•  
  11%
  Alexi Ogando
•  
  5%
  Martin Perez

(Total votes: 10,957)

Depth has saved the Rangers so far. You would think a team that has lost an 18-game winner, just put its No. 4 starter on the disabled list (Alexi Ogando), has been without its starting catcher the past few weeks and now must deal with its leadoff hitter on the DL would suffer greatly. And maybe they will. But so far, they haven't. Young players have stepped up. And those that have dealt with slumps have battled back, like Geovany Soto. The catcher has had some key hits in the past few series after not getting many opportunities in playing behind A.J. Pierzynski.

Right now, the biggest priority for this team at the trade deadline is not starting pitching. It's some more relief help. Manager Ron Washington's decision to pitch Yu Darvish an extra inning on Thursday, not to mention bringing in Michael Kirkman into the sixth with the bases loaded in a two-run game show he doesn't have a whole ton of options in the pen he trusts. I think he wanted to save Robbie Ross for the later innings (we can debate that decision) and felt like he had no other choices. Right now, outside of Ross, Tanner Scheppers and Joe Nathan, who do you trust? I know for some of you Nathan doesn't even go in that category, but I think that's an overreaction to his velocity decline. He's still getting the job done.

Jurickson Profar is here and the timing, for him, might be good. After a slow start, Profar has been quietly picking up his game. His average may be a bit down, but it's up from where it was even a few weeks ago. He's shown some power, speed and defensive work. Now he'll get a chance to show that in the big leagues.

How about Leury Garcia? He's had to stay ready despite limited playing time, but seems to take advantage of any and every opportunity.

That was a fun series between two good teams. The Rangers, as they seem to do, took advantage of a Tigers weakness when they needed it most last night. Detroit has a decent rotation and a great lineup. But the bullpen is a big question mark and the Rangers managed to grab the lead late and hold it. By the way, Texas has still not lost a game in which it's led by two runs or more from the seventh inning on.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- It's the Oakland A's turn to take their best shot at the Rangers.

Ask the Detroit Tigers how difficult that is.

PODCAST
ESPN MLB Insider Jayson Stark joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss whether the Rangers are the best team in baseball, what makes them so good and whether he thinks the team will trade Jurickson Profar. Listen

Miguel Cabrera crushes three home runs and Detroit can't outlast the Rangers. Texas knocked out two Detroit starters in the third inning in the four-game series, including Justin Verlander, who took an eight-run pounding.

The Rangers cruised past the quarter pole of the season with the best record in baseball and upped that mark to 29-15 with Sunday's 11-8 victory. They start Monday with a 6 1/2 game lead -- every other division lead is 2 1/2 games or less.

And so much for the Rangers building the franchise's best record through 44 games against Houston and other losing teams. They swept Boston, who came to Arlington with baseball's best record at the time, and they just took three out of four against Detroit, the defending American League champs.

Depth has been the answer. The Rangers have proved again they are the deepest organization in baseball. They'll start Monday with three pitchers in the rotation who haven't made double-digit starts in the big leagues yet -- Nick Tepesch, Justin Grimm and Josh Lindblom.

A.J. Pierzynski goes down and Geovany Soto starts hitting. Ian Kinsler hits the 15-day disabled list and the top prosect in baseball, Jurickson Profar, is waiting in the wings.

The buzz in the ballpark should be high Monday when Profar starts at second base. Manager Ron Washington, reluctant to play Profar in key games last season with the division title on the line, said Sunday that Profar will play.

The deepest team in baseball gets to show off again Monday night.

Other notes:

Beltre belting: Don't look now but Adrian Beltre's batting average is up to .291. He had four more hits Sunday for his third straight multi-hit game. He's batting .447 in his last eight games. He has eight extra base hits (five doubles, three home runs) in the last nine games.

Bullpen matters: The Rangers have an interesting decision to make Monday when Lindblom is activated to start against Oakland. A roster move will have to be made. Right-hander reliever Cory Burns has impressed in two outings and the Rangers could use a another righty in the bullpen. Look for Burns to stay. That could mean left-hander Joseph Ortiz, who has options, could get more work at Triple-A Round Rock.

Rotation matters: The Rangers still haven't decided what they'll do as far as adjusting the starting rotation with Thursday's off day. They have three off days coming up in the next two weeks, so they'll be able to adjust and push back or skip starts by Grimm and Lindblom.

ESPN.com's Buster Olney shared a quick nugget the other day in his daily blog, noting that the Rangers were doing "some early reconnaissance on how they could put together some kind of a deal" for Giancarlo Stanton. This shouldn't come as a shock. The Rangers' front office is very proactive and it makes perfect sense to be poking the Miami Marlins about Stanton, even a few months prior to the trade deadline.

PODCAST
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the possibility of the Rangers trading Jurickson Profar. Listen

Of course, the Marlins may not deal him then. But why not be prepared? So let's say the Marlins make it clear at some point in July that they'll listen to offers for Stanton. What might it take to get him?

Every deal starts with Jurickson Profar, the No. 1-ranked prospect according to ESPN.com's Keith Law. Now that the Rangers have signed Elvis Andrus to a long-term deal that keeps him in Texas at least through the 2018 season, they can afford to ship Profar. But they won't do that for just anybody. It's got to be a frontline starter or a middle-of-the-lineup bat, and either of those possibilities should be under team control for a few years.

Stanton fits the bill. He's under team control through the 2016 season, so the Rangers would be trading a package fronted by Profar for someone who won't hit the free agent market right away. Yes, he's struggled so far this season (and has dealt with shoulder soreness), but he hit. 290 with 37 homers and 86 RBIs in 449 at-bats last year. It was a third straight season of solid numbers with his average and homers going up. He's got a track record, albeit a brief one, of success.

To get him, Profar won't be enough. Mike Olt makes some sense here, as well. The Marlins could use a third baseman with a glove like Olt's, and while he struggled in spring training, he's got a bat with upside. The Marlins would likely want pitching. The Rangers, staying in prospect mode, could let them choose one or two from a group including Martin Perez, Justin Grimm, Cody Buckel, and maybe Nick Tepesch. Would Leonys Martin factor in here somewhere? Maybe.

But the Marlins are likely to want a piece that's in the majors and would be under club control for a while. Derek Holland or Matt Harrison would be examples. If that happens, the prospect package has to drop or it's too high a price to pay. Perhaps the Rangers will feel any package that includes one of its starters at the big league level is too high a price to pay. They worked hard to tie up the starting staff long term and won't want to break that up. But maybe there are other possibilities -- like a Robbie Ross, for instance -- that could be factored in to some kind of deal.

But it's probably going to take a strong prospect package and some pieces at the big league level to get this done.

Your turn. Give me an offer for Stanton that you think the Marlins would take (and the Rangers would be willing to give).

ESPN.com contributor and former GM Jim Bowden has an interesting post up (Insider) on why the Texas Rangers should trade top prospects with the St. Louis Cardinals. Bowden believes that because the Cardinals need a middle infielder and the Rangers could use an outfield bat, especially with Nelson Cruz and David Murphy in their final years before hitting free agency, that it makes sense. And he made a compelling case on our show (Fitzsimmons & Durrett) on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM on Friday.

PODCAST
ESPN Insider Jim Bowden joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the possibility of the Rangers trading Jurickson Profar. Listen

But I'm not ready to do it. Why? Here are two of my reasons:

1. Who says the Rangers have to trade Profar? Just because Elvis Andrus is locked up through 2018 doesn't mean Texas has to trade the No. 1 prospect in baseball, according to Keith Law's rankings last month, doesn't mean it's automatic that they ship Profar somewhere else. The reasoning most use is that Ian Kinsler doesn't want to play first base. I can understand not fighting that this season because Profar's development isn't hurt by getting some Triple-A at-bats. But if Mitch Moreland struggles or the club decides that Kinsler could help the team more by playing in the outfield, you tell him to go play those positions next season. Kinsler is under contract to be a Texas Ranger, not to play second base. He knows that, too. So if it's time to move him, you move him.

2. Trade Profar for a piece that you know can help you at the big leagues sooner and later. He's the top prospect in baseball. If he fronts a package, Tampa Bay has to listen in regards to David Price. If the Miami Marlins, who have not started the season well at all, decide it's time to part with Giancarlo Stanton, they have to listen if Profar is dangled (and he would be.). Those are the types of deals that you use the Profar piece to go and get.

Bowden notes that the trade would be a risk for both GMs. You lose that deal, and it has ripples that extend for years. Jon Daniels isn't afraid to make that kind of deal. But I don't think he should at this point. Wait to see what's out there at the trade deadline. If it's a guy that can help Yu Darvish front this rotation for a few more years or a middle-of-the-lineup bat that's under club control for a while, you talk about sending Profar out. But trading prospects -- even for a guy that Bowden and many feel is "can't miss" -- just isn't worth it right now for a contending team like Texas.

Just my two cents. Your thoughts?

ESPN MLB Insider Jim Bowden takes a look at why the top prospects in baseball, such as the Texas Rangers' Jurickson Profar, are starting the season in the minors.

Elvis Andrus isn't leaving the Texas Rangers at all after agreeing to a contract extension, per ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, that could keep the shortstop in a Rangers uniform until he's in his mid-30s (though there could be opt-outs that could alter that).

PODCAST
Ian Fitzsimmons and Richard Durrett discuss Elvis Andrus' contract extension with the Rangers and the options the club has with Ian Kinsler and Jurickson Profar. Listen

Still, rather than watch Andrus take offers on the open market after the 2014 season, the Rangers were able to lock him up as a member of their core long-term. Andrus deserves a bunch of credit, too. We've seen plenty of Scott Boras clients test the open market. Andrus wanted a fair deal, but he also wanted to stay. So it works for both parties. The Rangers, who have taken the "wait-and-see approach," as C.J. Wilson referred to it last week, on certain players, didn't do that with Andrus. Good for them.

So what does it mean for Jurickson Profar and the infield situation? Well, it increases the club's options. Now that Andrus is signed up for the long haul, the team can consider dealing Profar for a big-time player -- think Giancarlo Stanton or David Price, for example -- without the worry that they might not have a shortstop if they do. Profar is a valuable asset, considered by many to be the top prospect in the game. If you trade him, it has to be for something big. Perhaps that's at the trade deadline or next winter.

The Rangers could, of course, keep Profar in the organization. They could consider moving Ian Kinsler to the outfield or first base (if Mitch Moreland struggles) and put Profar at second base. Maybe that's some point this season or more likely after this season. But it would put Profar in the infield and allow him to grow and see what he can do.

Could they trade Kinsler? They could, though they made a sizable financial commitment to Kinsler last season and see him as a member of the core. After this season, my bet is Kinsler would be willing to move and with an offseason to work on the outfield, it might make more sense.

I like this move. Andrus has been steadily getting better each season, becoming a top-tier shortstop. He has started four seasons and in that time, has played in at least 145 games each season. Last year, he played a career-high 158 and hit .286 with three homers and 62 RBIs. His stolen bases dropped last season to 21, but he had 32 or more stolen bases in the three previous seasons. His defense has improved on the routine plays. He could always throw a highlight-reel gem at you, but sometimes his focus wasn't there on the easier plays. That focus was there last year. He's 24 years old and has a bright future. Now he's a Ranger for a long time.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- While the Texas Rangers wrapped up the Arizona portion of their major league spring training schedule Wednesday, the team still has three preseason games remaining. Many questions have been answered, but with only a few days until Opening Day in Houston on Sunday, there are a few more items to keep an eye on until then.

Fifth starter

Manager Ron Washington announced after Wednesday's game that Alexi Ogando is his No. 3 starter and Derek Holland is the No. 4. Holland will start the home opener April 5 against the Angels, but Washington said that did not play into his decision at all. Nick Tepesch earned the fifth-starter job out of training camp, but that was largely because choices were limited by the spring injuries to Martin Perez and Kyle McClellan, and because Colby Lewis is still recovering from surgery. Lewis and Perez could be back by the end of May. Will one of them unseat Tepesch? Good outings between now and then would make the choice much easier. Tepesch struggled in his previous two spring outings when he faced better-caliber hitters, but he pitched well Wednesday in a minor league game for Round Rock (Triple-A).

Outfield

We know Leonys Martin and Craig Gentry will share time in center and also see time in the outfield corners. We still don't know who will start Opening Day or who will see more playing time, as manager Ron Washington said he isn't announcing a platoon. Outfield is a strong position for Texas, so this is a case of finding time for good players instead of making the best of a bad situation.

Julio Borbon remains in purgatory, as he is out of options and cannot be sent to the minors. President of baseball operations/general manager Jon Daniels said he has talked to teams about Borbon and there is interest. The Rangers will try to trade him before making a roster decision. The Rangers might keep Borbon when they break camp, adding an extra bat to their roster until they need to officially sign Tepesch as the fifth starter for the April 9 game against Tampa. That window will be much tighter if Texas decides to add an eighth reliever instead.

Bullpen

The final two of the seven bullpen slots have not been announced. Those will fall into place after the Rangers decide whether they want to take an extra arm or bat until the April 9 game. If they go with a bat, the final two will be named. If they go with an arm, three more will get the nod. Whoever they choose might be placeholders for Joakim Soria and Neftali Feliz, who are both expected to join the bullpen later this season.

Infield

Leury Garcia earned the backup middle-infield role, meaning top prospect Jurickson Profar will begin the season in the minors. The question is, how long will Profar stay there? If Garcia struggles -- remember, he is a rookie, too -- will Profar get the nod? Also, Profar has only 33 days of service time, and allowing him to get more experience at Triple-A stops the clock for a longer period of time. With three Gold Glove players in the Texas infield, there is no rush to bring the super rookie up. However, if he tears up Triple-A pitching, the temptation to have him in Arlington might be too strong to resist.

MESA, Ariz. -- Highly-regarded prospect Mike Olt was one of four players optioned to Round Rock (AAA) on Tuesday as part of 12 roster moves announced by the Texas Rangers.

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Rangers GM Jon Daniels joins Fitzsimmons and Durrett to discuss expectations for the Rangers this season, what he has seen from the team this spring and his thoughts on Jerry's GM work with the Cowboys. Listen

Olt saw a lot of time this spring at third base and also played a few games in right field, a new position for the 24-year old whom the Rangers see as a key future contributor to their team.

With Mitch Moreland at first base and Adrian Beltre at third, Olt needed to add another position to his arsenal to increase his versatility and clear a path to the major leagues. He is expected to play both third and outfield with Round Rock.

"He'll go down there, get the repetitions, play everyday and get into game mode and the rest will take care of itself," manager Ron Washington said. "We get to the point in spring where we are going to play the regular guys more and he just needed to go somewhere where he could get regular work. That is why we sent him down.

"He did extremely well (in the outfield)."

Olt struggled at the plate early in the spring and Washington commented that he wanted to see the powerful, 6-foot-2, 210-pounder swing the bat more often. His play didn't diminish the positive outlook on his future in the lineup. However, with depth in the outfield, more seasoning will improve his chances to earn a regular spot on the major-league roster.

"It's good to be able to get more reps and get back on track," Olt said. "I view this as a positive. They want me up here as an everyday guy, not a bench guy, so I'll get my reps and get back on track."

Olt leaves major league camp with a .194 average this spring with two home runs and five RBIs.

A supplemental pick in the 2010 MLB Draft (49th overall), Olt split time between Double-A Frisco and Texas last season. He hit .152 in 33 big-league at-bats with no home runs, five RBIs and 13 strikeouts. This season would mark the first time Olt plays in Triple-A.

LHP Jeff Beliveau, OF Engle Beltre and RHP Wilmer Font were also assigned to Round Rock.

In addition to those moves, Texas announced eight players were reassigned to minor-league camp: 1B Brandon Allen, C Juan Apodaca, RHP Colin Balester, LHP Neal Cotts, C Jose Felix, RHP Evan Meek, INF Brandon Snyder, OF Aaron Cunningham and RHP Yoshinori Tateyama.

Including the three Rangers still playing in the World Baseball Classic, Texas has 45 players on its major league spring training roster.

Other team notes:

A delayed broadcast of today's game can be heard at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN 103.3 FM.

LHP Derek Holland will make his first appearance since returning from the WBC. He allowed five runs on nine hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings against Tucson in a minor-league start for Round Rock (AAA).

Joe Nathan pitched two scoreless innings in a game with High-A Myrtle Beach and allowed one hit and no walks while striking out four.

LHP Matt Harrison is scheduled for a minor league game Thursday.

Going into Tuesday, Elvis Andrus had a 10-game hitting streak, batting .393 (11-28) in that span.

Jeff Baker was third in the majors and second in the Cactus League with a .467 batting average going into Tuesday's play.

Wednesday marks the third and final off day during the spring schedule. The club does not have another off day until April 1, the day after opening the season in Houston.

Nelson Cruz and Leurys Garcia (Dominican Republic) will be in San Francisco for tonight's WBC final before returning to the Rangers. Jurickson Profar (Netherlands) went 0-for-3 with a walk in last night's semifinal against Puerto Rico, also committing a throwing error. It was Profar's only WBC game, as he was an injury replacement for the semifinals.

Derek Lowe is scheduled to start for the Rangers on Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is not likely to pitch three innings again, as he did in Monday's emergency start in place of Yu Darvish.

SURPRISE, Ariz.-- LHP Matt Harrison is making his first start in an 'A' game since March 2 when the Texas Rangers take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in a split-squad game on Saturday at Surprise Stadium.

Harrison was scratched from his last start on March 9 due to inflammation in a toe on his left foot. He returned to the mound for a 'B' game appearance on Tuesday and gave up two runs in two innings. The outing was intended to keep him on a somewhat regular pitching schedule after the layoff.

The 27-year old is scheduled to throw four or five innings today depending on his stamina and pitch count, as he resumes getting ready for the rigors of the regular season.

"I was supposed to pitch on Saturday and that would have been seven days, so that was already stretching it," Harrison said. "After throwing the two innings the other day, I couldn't wait to get right back out there and throw four and get stretched out."

On Saturday, Harrison will wear a new cleat from the same manufacturer and use the same orthotic insert as in the past.

Harrison struggled in his spring debut, allowing four runs on six hits in one inning on Feb. 24. He rebounded well in his second outing by allowing just three hits in three scoreless innings against Arizona on March 2.

Other injury notes:

RHP Colby Lewis (surgery - torn flexor tendon) and Joakim Soria (Tommy John surgery) both threw a bullpen session on Friday.

C Eli Whiteside (mild left calf strain) has resumed baseball activities and is listed as day-to-day.

LHP Martin Perez (fractured left ulna) is not expected to resume a throwing program for approximately four weeks.

Team notes:

Reliever Jason Frasor will throw an inning today, after allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning during an appearance in a minor league game on Thursday. Prior to that, Frasor was unscored upon in four innings in 'A' games.

RHP Lisalverto Bonilla is scheduled to make his first appearance since being promoted to the major league camp roster on Tuesday. He threw a scoreless inning in his Rangers debut last Saturday against Oakland, but that was as a minor league extra. Bonilla was acquired from Philadelphia during the offseason, as part of the Michael Young trade.

Rangers in WBC update:
LHP Derek Holland will return to Rangers camp soon after Team USA was eliminated from the World Baseball Classic on Saturday. Holland is scheduled to throw in a minor league game on Wednesday.

Three Rangers remain in the WBC. Nelson Cruz and Leurys Garcia are with the Dominican Republic while Jurickson Profar is with Team Netherlands after joining them on Wednesday. Profar will make his WBC debut on Monday in a semi-final game against the winner of tonight's Dominican Republic-Puerto Rico game.

Texas has no fielding errors in its last eight games, dating back to March 6 against the Cubs in Surprise (Alexi Ogando).

Jeff Baker currently leads the major leagues with a .514 batting average and .550 on-base percentage. His 19 hits lead the Cactus League and are the second most in the majors (B.J. Upton, 20).

Today marks the second and final spring game between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers. The teams played to an 11-11 tie on March 7 in Glendale when Los Angeles scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington joined Fitzsimmons and Durrett on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the team. Among the topics they discussed Friday:

PODCAST
Manager Ron Washington joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett live from Surprise, Ariz., to discuss how the Rangers are looking heading into the 2013 season. Listen

Center field and whether Leonys Martin could seize the job full time:

Both he and Craig Gentry are still battling. I definitely see Martin’s future as an everyday guy out there in center field, and so far down here in spring training he’s been doing everything, playing defense, throwing to the right bag, running the bases, hitting; it certainly has been refreshing to finally get a chance to see what this kid can do other than what people have been telling me he can do. Right now we haven’t made a decision on who will get that job, but right now both of them are doing extremely well.

Will Lance Berkman see time at first base this spring?

Yes, that will happen soon. It may be by the time we get back off of this next road trip.

Biggest difference for Yu Darvish in his second season:

Relaxation. Understanding what’s expected of him, mainly understanding what’s expected of himself, rather than what other people are expecting of him. He knows the routine that we go through now, he’s been through it one time and he’s come in and he has a different look in his eyes. He’s more relaxed, he’s just going about his business, going through the process of just trying to make certain that he’s ready when the opening bell rings.

Where will Jurickson Profar start the season?

Well, the factors that are involved in whether he starts here in the major leagues this season is gonna be what’s best for Jurickson and what’s best for the Texas Rangers. … Whether he makes this team or not I think it just depends on what happens before spring is over as far as us acquiring someone or what’s best for Profar; if that is to be here then we’ll all get together and decide that, and if that’s to go to Triple we’ll all get together and decide that. … Nothing has been decided yet.