ESPN

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers have outrighted the following five players off the 40-man roster after the group cleared waivers Wednesday: infielders Andres Blanco and Esteban German and right-handers Omar Beltre, Eric Hurley and Merkin Valdez.

Beltre, 30, spent the entire season on the disabled list after having spine surgery on Feb. 23. He had a brief rehabilitation assignment in the Arizona League, making two appearances in late June and early July, his only live action all year. He opened the season on the 15-day disabled list and was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 8 for the remainder of the year.

Blanco, 27, batted .224 with twp homers and three RBI in 36 games for Texas this season, missing six weeks because of a pair of disabled list stints. He was on the DL from July 7-30 with a stress reaction in his back and Aug. 9-31 with lower back inflammation. He was not on any of the Rangers' postseason rosters this year.

German, 33, appeared in 11 games as a September call-up for Texas after spending the campaign with Triple-A Round Rock. He ranked among Pacific Coast League leaders in steals (second, 44), runs (fourth, 94), and walks (fifth, 72). He was on Texas' postseason roster for all three rounds of the 2011 playoffs.

Hurley, 26, went 8-3 with a 5.55 ERA (52 earned runs/84 1/3 innings pitched) in 16 games/starts for Round Rock in 2011. He endured two DL stints that caused him to make just two starts before June 20. He was on the Rangers’ 60-day DL from April 23-June 23. Hurley was originally selected by Texas in the first round (30th overall) of the 2004 June draft.

Valdez, 29, made five appearances for Texas as a September call-up but was not with the club during the postseason. He was signed by Texas to a minor league contract on July 24 after being released by the Dodgers on July 18.

With these moves and Baltimore's acquisition of right-handed pitcher Darren O'Day on a waiver claim earlier Wednesday, the Rangers have 32 players on the club’s 40-man roster.

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Rangers beat the White Sox (with many regulars in the game at the start) on Saturday. Here were six things of note from the day (one that didn't have as much craziness as Friday):

1. Matt Harrison is really pitching well this spring training. He seems to do this every year, but something feels different to him in 2011. He's got more confidence and it's showing up in his results. He pitched four shutout innings on Saturday.

2. Adrian Beltre could play on Monday. The club will see how he feels on Sunday, but manager Ron Washington indicated that Monday looked promising and Beltre said he was hoping to play as well. He's been running the bases and did what he calls "quick reaction" movement on Saturday and felt good.

3. Omar Beltre returned to camp on Saturday after having spinal surgery. He's had some tough luck the last few years, but is keeping a good attitude. Read about him here.

4. Yoshinori Tateyama talked about the tsunami and earthquake in Japan. He said his family is OK, but that the whole thing is "sad."

5. Brett Tomko is in major league camp and the club made some other roster moves on Saturday.

6. The Rangers aren't new to spring training drama. Here's a look at what's gone on the last two spring trainings for Texas.

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Omar Beltre returned to Surprise Recreation Campus on Saturday after having spinal surgery. Beltre said he felt good and was glad to be back. So what exactly was the surgery about?

Assistant GM Thad Levine explained it this morning, saying the surgery involved the thoracic vertebrae and a narrowing of the canal where the nerves feed into the spine because of calcification. That was pinching the nerve, but it also was pinching his spinal cord. That's why he felt some numbness in the extremities.

"They went in and did the procedure and effectively cleaned up that calcification, relieved the pinching of both his spinal cord and the nerve," Levine said. "Where it gets dicey is not knowing the long-term effects on the spinal cord."

Levine said the good news from the surgery is that the spinal cord symptoms have resolved themselves entirely.

"It's still a little bit of a wait and see as to how things progress, but we're effectively going to start a program with him now," Levine said. "We're not going to truly know the landmarks along the way because this is so unique."

The club doesn't know of any baseball player that's had this condition, so they aren't sure exactly what all will be involved in Beltre's attempt to return to playing condition. The plan right now is for him to do some cardio work. Beltre said he hopes to play catch next week.

Through it all, it seems Beltre has kept a good attitude. He had all of the issues (along with Alexi Ogando) of getting a visa to come to the United States. He gets here and then discovers he has the rare and scary condition.

"It's hard," Beltre said about all that's gone on for him the past few years. "But it's part of life . You have to try to be healthy now. I'm going ot work hard and try to be ready to go."

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers pitcher Omar Beltre had spinal surgery Wednesday and could arrive in Surprise this weekend to begin his rehab. When he travels is dependent on how he feels. But he's six to eight weeks away from starting any sort of baseball activity.

Other injury notes:

* RHP Fabio Castillo (broken bone in left foot) will continue to throw off flat ground, but he is still wearing the boot at times during the day.

* LHP Miguel De Los Santos (biceps tendinitis) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday.

* RHP Eric Hurley (left hamstring strain) could be on a mound Friday or Saturday for a bullpen session.

* OF Craig Gentry (broken right wrist) is still taking some light swings off a tee.

* RHP Brandon Webb was long-tossing this morning and was still out there when the clubhouse closed. We'll find out how he felt later today. The plan was for him to long toss again Friday and go light on Saturday before the club re-evaluated him. The earliest he could get on a mound is Sunday, weather permitting (there's talk of some rain that day).

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Every day here at spring training we'll recap the day for you with links in case you missed anything. Here are six items of note from today:

1. The Rangers expect Michael Young to show up on Saturday when position players are scheduled to report. The club continues to explore trade possiblities but is preparing as if Young is on the team. Read the complete story here, including quotes from GM Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington.

2. Brandon Webb believes he can be ready to join the rotation by Opening Day. The right-hander seemed very excited to be in Surprise and to be preparing for the season. I talked to Webb's dad, Philip, who catches his son during the offseason. Philip could tell a difference in Webb's throwing last month and feels his son is "over the hump." It could be critical for the Rangers' rotation if Webb shows he's ready. Webb was kind enough to shoot some video with me today at spring training as well.

3. RHP Omar Beltre will have spinal surgery next week after he was diagnosed with a genetic condition involving narrowing of the spine. The surgery will set him back at least three months and it's unclear beyond that what might happen. The Rangers don't know of any other cases of this condition, called stenosis, in baseball players. Other injury updates, including Scott Feldman probably not available until May, can be found here and also here.

4. Tanner Scheppers is being stretched out as a starter. He is still considered a candidate for the bullpen, but if he doesn't make the club, he would start in Triple-A Round Rock. Scheppers' chances of making the bullpen go up if Neftali Feliz or Alexi Ogando make the rotation.

5. We had a brief chat here on ESPNDallas.com and you can view a replay here. Connection problems shortened the chat, so we'll have another at 3 p.m. Monday.

6. Webb isn't the only other newcomer. Dave Bush and others are ready to make their mark. Here are some brief notes on them. More to come in the next few days.

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Normally, we'll give you the injury report in the mornings. But assistant GM Thad Levine updated us on several other players this afternoon. Besides the Omar Beltre injury, here are some others:

* Scott Feldman had microfracture surgery and isn't expected to get going until late March, which puts his timetable at around May. More on Feldman here.

* RHP Fabio Castillo has a broken bone in his left foot. He'll have X-rays on Thursday and the club should know more then. At this point, he isn't having surgery. He's rehabbing and is in a boot.

* OF Craig Gentry had surgery on his right wrist and will have some limitations in spring training. He is still considered a candidate for an outfield spot.

* OF Chad Tracy had clean up surgery on his right shoulder and will not play the outfield to start spring training. He can play first and isn't completely limited, but the club will ease him back into the OF.

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Rangers pitcher Omar Beltre will undergo spinal surgery next week and be out at least three months, if not longer.

Beltre, who arrived in the United States last spring after visa issues, was considered a candidate for the bullpen. The 29-year-old has spinal stenosis, a genetic disorder that involves a narrowing of the spine. The club said it’s something that usually occurs in older people. Beltre will have the surgery Feb. 22 and it will be six to eight weeks before he can throw at all.

The team isn’t sure of Beltre’s timetable or whether he can return to full health because they haven’t found baseball player that’s had this condition.

Beltre and teammate Alexi Ogando were not able to get visas for five years because of their involvement in a visa fraud scandal in the Dominican Republic. But the did obtain the necessary paperwork last year and were allowed to go to the United States in time for spring training in 2010.

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The first wave of players that are due to report to spring training Wednesday (Feb. 16) for the Rangers are pitchers and catchers. Here's a look at that group:

PITCHERS

Omar Beltre: After a year in U.S., Beltre put up a 2.65 ERA in 85 innings (some as starter, some as reliever), but gave up seven runs in seven big league innings. What will his command look like this spring?
Dave Bush*: Trying to rekindle the success he had under Mike Maddux in Milwaukee and compete for backend starter or long relief role.
Fabio Castillo: Pitched for Surprise in Arizona Fall League after moving up to Double-A Frisco at the end of 2010.
Miguel De Los Santos (LHP): Finished 2010 in Class A Hickory and was 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA in 12 games (6 starts) in 38 1/3 innings.
Cody Eppley*: Likely starts season in Triple-A, but could see the majors in 2011 after getting taste of spring training.
Scott Feldman: How does he look after a disappointing 2010 and offseason knee surgery?
Neftali Feliz: He's stretched out to start and club will decide whether he stays the closer or goes into the rotation as camp progress (opening odds are he stays as closer...but we'll see).
Wilmer Font: Had Tommy John surgery.
Matt Harrison (LHP): Wants to show he can start again after finishing 2010 in the bullpen.
Derek Holland (LHP): Is he ready to claim one of the five starting spots?
Tommy Hunter: Got off to fast start in 2010 before cooling off. He's motivated to show he can pitch at a high level throughout the season.
Eric Hurley: Scouts have raved about how he's looked in limited innings since surgery. He's a darkhorse this spring.
Zach Jackson (LHP)*: Was in the Toronto organization last year; pitched in the majors some for Milwaukee when Mike Maddux was pitching coach.
Michael Kirkman (LHP): A candidate for a rotation spot this spring, he finished 2010 in the bullpen in the big leagues and was impressive.
Colby Lewis: Coming off solid postseason (he beat the Yankees twice in the ALCS), he's the No. 2 starter in the rotation.
Mark Lowe: Traded to Texas as part of the Cliff Lee trade, the hard thrower is healthy and ready to earn a late-inning relief job.
Seth McClung*: Hasn't appeared in big league game since 2009 after the Marlins let him go in spring training last year.
Darren O'Day: The sidearmer has a deceptive delivery and was a mainstay in the Rangers pen in 2010.
Alexi Ogando: He showed a fastball with life in 2010 and has some secondary stuff. He'll stretch out as a starter, but likely ends up in the pen.
Darren Oliver (LHP): The veteran is a leader among the pitching staff and a workhorse.
Zach Phillips (LHP): He threw 50 1/3 innings at Triple-A last year and sported a 3.22 ERA.
Arthur Rhodes (LHP): Another veteran that Ron Washington can use to get left-handed hitters out.
Tanner Scheppers*: Struggled at times in Triple-A last year, but has tremendous stuff. Can he push for a job this spring?
Pedro Strop: Appeared in 15 games with the Rangers in 2010 and allowed 12 runs in 10 2/3 innings and walked 11 and struck out 11. He did put up good numbers in Triple-A.
Yoshinori Tateyama: The 35-year-old sidearmer has been in Surprise for a few weeks now and right-handers hit .186 against him in Japan last year.
Mason Tobin: Rule-5 pickup that, should he make the bullpen, would have to remain on the 25-man roster for 2011 or be offered back to the Angels.
Ryan Tucker*: Picked up off waivers from Florida after Game 1 of the ALDS when Rich Harden was DFA'd.
Brandon Webb: If he can find his Cy Young stuff and stay healthy, could be a huge bargain.
C.J. Wilson (LHP): One year after starting spring as a reliever, he's the club's No. 1 starter after 15 wins in 2010.

CATCHERS

Kevin Cash*: Played in 49 games for Boston and Houston in 2010 and has played in 246 career big league games.
Jose Felix*: A top prospect with huge upside who finished the season at Double-A Frisco last year.
Mike Napoli: Power bat off the bench more likely to play as 1B or DH against lefties.
Taylor Teagarden: He was No. 2 catcher last spring, now trying to prove himself again.
Yorvit Torrealba: Signed 2-year deal to be club's No. 1 catcher and must get to know a new staff.
Matt Treanor: A gritty, tough backstop that paired well with Wilson last year and is No. 2 catcher again this year.

* Non-roster invitees

ARLINGTON, Texas -- For the next five weekdays leading into Wednesday's Game 1, we're going to feature a timeline of the Rangers' season on and off the field. Consider it a way to recap what happened in 2010. Feel free to comment on some of the items and to let us know if we missed some. This first installment begins with the Winter Meetings last December and goes through January (two months for each installment will follow):

Dec. 8: Rangers president Nolan Ryan makes public his partnership with Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg. They are part of a group of investors hoping to buy the club. Greenberg attends part of the Winter Meetings as does Dennis Gilbert, another prospective buyer. Houston businessman Jim Crane is also a bidder.

Dec. 9: General manager Jon Daniels completes trade with the Orioles, sending Kevin Millwood and $3 million to Baltimore for reliever Chris Ray and a pick in the Rule 5 draft. The move frees up about $9 million in the budget.

Dec. 11: Rangers make official the signing of Rich Harden to a $6.5 million deal.

Dec. 15: Owner Tom Hicks chooses the group headed by Greenberg and Ryan as the one he will enter into exclusive negotiations with to buy the club. The decision comes after a flurry of activity, including resubmitted bids by Crane and the Greenberg-Ryan group. The hope then was to get a deal done by Opening Day.

Dec. 19: The proposed deal to send Boston’s Mike Lowell to Texas falls apart after Lowell fails a physical and needs surgery to repair a torn thumb ligament

Dec. 22: Texas agrees to terms with reliever Darren Oliver on a one-year contract with a vesting option for the second year.

Jan. 11: Rangers sign Vladimir Guerrero to a one-year deal with a mutual option to be their designed hitter.

Jan. 19: Colby Lewis, the former first-round pick of the Rangers, signs a two-year deal after spending two previous seasons in Japan.

Jan. 21: Club makes signing of utility infielder Khalil Greene official.

Jan. 23: Hicks Sports Group and Rangers Baseball Express, the name of the group headed by Greenberg and Ryan, strike a deal to complete the sale of the Rangers, pending approval from MLB and HSG’s creditors.

Jan. 31: Rangers expect pitchers Omar Beltre and Alexi Ogando, who were held up from entering the United States on visa issues stemming from their part in a human trafficking scandal, to be allowed to arrive in time for spring training.

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Rangers made a handful of roster moves today. Among them:

* RHP Dustin Nippert was reinstated off 15-day disabled list.

* C Taylor Teagarden was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City, giving the Rangers a third catcher.

* LHP Clay Rapada's contract was purchased from Triple-A Oklahoma City, adding another lefty to the Rangers bullpen.

* RHP Omar Beltre recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City and placed on 60-day disabled list with a right ankle sprain.

* OF Brandon Boggs cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

The Rangers were expected to get Teagarden back up here as soon as his 10-day assignment in the minors was up. That gives manager Ron Washington some more roster flexibility and some insurance at an important position. Teagarden had played much better in his second stint in the majors after going to Double-A Frisco for part of the season to get his swing figured out.

Texas wanted another left-handed bullpen option for September, so Clay Rapada gets the call. Whenever the 29-year-old gets into a game, it will be his first in the majors. He spent all of 2010 with Oklahoma City, going 1-2 with two saves and a 1.82 ERA in 50 relief appearances. Opposing PCL batters hit just .158 against him and that stat got even better against left-handed hitters (.120). So he could be a good situational lefty when needed. Moving Beltre to the 60-day creates the roster space to get Rapada on the 40-man.

Nippert, of course, gives Texas another experienced long man.

The Rangers' 40-man roster remains full at this time.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Michael Young isn't in the starting lineup for the first time this season. But don't take that to mean he sat back and relaxed on Tuesday.

Young, who discussed the day off with manager Ron Washington on Monday, came to the park early on Tuesday and worked with hitting coach Clint Hurdle and then took ground balls from infield coach Dave Anderson. He was also going through a full workout with strength and conditioning coach Jose Vazquez.

"I think days off are a good time to put some work in," Young said. "You can get a good sweat in."

Young said he does want to watch his body and be sure he can stay healthy for the entire season.

"We talked about it yesterday before batting practice," Young said. "I think at that point we'd reached the halfway point in the year and I just want to make sure I stay healthy. I feel great right now, but I felt great last year and pulled my hamstring in September too. I want to make sure if I can take a day here and there to make sure I can stay healthy and keep my body fresh for the season. I don't think Cal's in Baltimore shaking in his boots or anything like that. A day off here and there can only do me a little bit of good."

Last season was the first time Young missed an extended run of games with an injury (missed 22 of 23 games with strained left hamstring). Other than 2009, Young has played at least 155 games in every season.

Washington said his gut told him it was time.

"The last four or five games he's played, it just wasn't Michael," Washington said. "So I'll give him a day. He's still available off the bench."

Other notes:

* Washington said he didn't hesitate to take both Young and SS Elvis Andrus out of the lineup on the same day. He said Andrus has had "some nagging injuries" and he wanted to give him a break. He noted that Andrus was hit in the back of the leg on Monday and has slid hard into bases putting stress on his knees. Washington said he has not heard anything about the calf injury that was bothering Andrus earlier in the season.

* Matt Treanor gets a chance to play as well, taking Bengie Molina's place. Molina has played in every game since he joined the team on Friday.

* Washington said Omar Beltre showed good stuff, but "has to throw the ball over the plate with more consistency." He said Beltre is the type of pitcher who will learn valuable lessons from his two starts. He was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City and Doug Mathis was called up.

The Rangers announced Tuesday that they optioned pitcher Omar Beltre, who took the loss Monday night, to Triple-A Oklahoma City and recalled reliever Doug Mathis.

Beltre gave up four runs in three innings in Monday's 9-3 loss to the Indians. In two starts since being called up, he went 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in seven innings.

Mathis, who will be in uniform for tonight's game against Cleveland, was 1-1 with a 7.36 ERA in nine relief appearances for the Rangers earlier this season. His last big league appearance was May 14 at Toronto.

Richard Durrett just called in to report that shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Michael Young aren't in the lineup for tonight's game. It will be the first time Young doesn't start this year. Richard will have more on the lineups a little bit later.

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Rangers' 10-game homestand continues as Cleveland comes to town. RHP Omar Beltre takes on LHP Aaron Laffey at 7:05 p.m. on FSSW. A quick look at the matchups:

Beltre (0-0, 6.75 ERA): He admitted that he was nervous and allowed a homer to the first major league hitter he ever faced, the Angels' Erick Aybar. Beltre was the first Ranger pitcher to give up home run to his first big league batter since Doug Davis in 1999. He settled down after the second inning and ended up going four. Beltre allowed three runs on five hits with four walks and six strikeouts in his debut. He said he learned a lot from the experience. Manager Ron Washington said Beltre showed he can pitch in the majors. Now it's a matter of making adjustments and becoming a more consistent pitcher.

Laffey (1-2, 5.55 ERA): Earned his first win of the season in his last start, June 30, just one day after becoming a father for the first time. He pitched six innings and gave up one run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts. Laffey started the season in the Indians' bullpen and was optioned to Triple-A at the end of May to be stretched out as a starter. He was 0-1 with a 3.98 ERA in four minor league starts. Laffey is 1-1 with an 8.64 ERA in 16 2/3 innings against the Rangers. Texas is batting .436 against him.

Hitters: Ian Kinsler is 4-for-6 with two doubles, Elvis Andrus is 3-for-7 and Josh Hamilton is 4-for-7 with a homer against Laffey. Michael Young (2-for-7), David Murphy (2-for-8), Bengie Molina (2-for-3) and Nelson Cruz (2-for-3) have each had two hits in limited at-bats against Laffey. Beltre has never faced Cleveland.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- It was an excited Rich Harden that was buzzing around the visiting clubhouse at Angel Stadium on Thursday. Harden had just completed a 58-pitch bullpen and felt good. And it wasn't the fact that his body felt good that pleased him. He said his mechanics were much improved, the product of working with pitching coach Mike Maddux and looking at video.

Harden said he felt better with his mechanics than he has all season, including spring training.

"I can't wait to get out there," Harden said. "I hate sitting here. I want to pitch. I want to pitch now. But I need to go to the bullpens and go out on a rehab. Mechanically, it's going good. I'm getting to where I want to be."

Harden said he threw all fastballs, working on location.

"When that's there and I'm able to locate that and getting on top of my fastball, everything else comes off of that," Harden said. "It's easy to pick everything else up. The ball is coming out of my hand as it should and I'm getting the ball down."

Harden said he made just a few minor changes to his mechanics, but it's made a difference.

"I've always been a feel pitcher and I'm getting that feel now," Harden said. "I feel great. I'm getting through the ball, getting behind it, using everything together. If it's coming out right, I'm using my legs and my core. That's where I need to be."

Other notes:

* Washington said Bengie Molina will likely start Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox. His plane is scheduled to land in Dallas tonight. Washington said he's excited to have someone of Molina's "presence" in the lineup and on the club. He praised the job Max Ramirez, the likely roster move for Molina, has done. "Max should be proud and everyone that's worked with him should be proud," Washington said. "He's improved since he's been here. He'll be down there and ready when we need him."

* Washington said Alexi Ogando would be the long reliever tonight if the club needs one.

* Washington said Omar Beltre "probably will" start the next time through the rotation. The manager said Beltre has the stuff to pitch in the major leagues.

"He settled down after he had all that energy and adrenaline in the first two innings," Washington said.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- If the Angels didn't miss Vladimir Guerrero before this series, they certainly miss him now.

The slugger pounded a 2-0 changeup from starter Scott Kazmir over the center-field fence for a grand slam, turning a 3-0 deficit into a 4-3 advantage in the fourth inning. He added another homer, a solo shot, in the eighth and drove in five of the club's six runs in a 6-4 win on Wednesday.

Guerrero says he doesn't have any added motivation this series in facing his former team in Angel Stadium for the first time this season.

"I'm just trying to do my job," Guerrero said through a translator. "I'm swinging the bat well and hitting it hard. I'm just trying to do the best job I can for the Rangers. I appreciate the years I had here, but I'm trying to do my job."

That job this season has been to collect RBIs in bunches. He now has 68 on the season, tied for the most in the majors with Miguel Cabrera. Eight of those RBIs have come in the last two games.

Guerrero has drilled his former team so far this series, going 6-for-10 with three homers and a double. He was 4-for-4 on Wednesday. It was the third multi-homer game of the season for Guerrero and the 42nd of his career. He now has seven grand slams.

When a reporter said that if Guerrero keeps this up the crowd, which has cheered him for the most part this series, might start booing, the slugger said, "I can't do anything about that."

Manager Ron Washington simply smiled and talked about how thankful he was to have Guerrero in a Ranger uniform.

"He's taken the ballgame over and I don't think the Anaheim Angels are surprised, they've seen him do it before," Washington said. "I'm just happy he's doing it for the Texas Rangers right now. The guy comes to play. When he sees something he likes up there, he usually barrels it up. He takes on the biggest part of the ballpark and the ball doesn't come down. I'm so happy he's a Texas Ranger."

Angels manager Mike Scoiscia marveled at what Guerrero has done so far this series.

"No doubt Vlad was seeing it tonight," Scoiscia said. "We didn't pitch him the way we wanted to. It's pretty obvious we haven't been doing a good job in trying to contain him. He's as dangerous as any hitter in the game right now."

Other reaction:

* Omar Beltre admitted he was nervous to begin his major league debut. Who can blame him for that? He allowed a home run to the first batter he faced, Erick Aybar, becoming the first Ranger to give up a homer to his first big league hitter since Doug Davis in 1999. But he settled down enough to get through the third and fourth innings without allowing a run after falling behind 3-0.

"I feel good that the team won," Beltre said. "I was able to make a few good pitches after the first inning and get things under control. I felt good after the second."

Beltre said he learned that he "can't make too many mistakes" to big league hitters.

He smiled when asked how happy he was to see Guerrero's grand slam.

Washington said Beltre had too much energy and adrenaline to start the game.

"He was overthrowing his first two innings, but then he settled down and was hitting the strike zone," Washington said. "He showed some mound presence. He wasn't afraid to use all of his pitches. He needs to be consistent in the strike zone. I think he realizes now he has the stuff to compete up here. He can pitch up here. He's got the pitches."

Washington said the club hasn't determined whether Beltre will start again next time through the rotation. He said they'll talk about that in the coming days.

* Washington said he didn't want to bring Darren Oliver in the game in the seventh to face just one left-handed hitter (Hideki Matsui, who led off the inning). So the plan was to go with Dustin Nippert and then have Darren O'Day ready to back him up. Nippert got some good defense behind him and made it through the seventh. He gave the club three innings and got the game to Frank Francisco in the eighth.