2007 Texas Rangers News

[Molina00]

April 13th, 2007: Kameron Loe Ready to Start

After losing the 5th starter position to Jamey Wright in spring training, Kameron Loe will be getting a chance to start afterall. Jamey Wright was placed on the DL with shoulder inflammation and Kam Loe will be taking his place as 5th starter on April 21.

[Molina00]

April 23rd, 2007: Gagne Back on DL

So far Eric Gagne's return to the major leagues has been short lived. He has made only 4 appearances for the Rangers notching 1 save and throwing 3.1 scoreless innings. The injury doesn't care if you have an ERA of 0.00 though, as Gagne was placed on the 15-day DL on Monday after straining his right hip when his right cleat slipped on the mound.

Akinori Otsuka will be taking over the closer role until Gagne is ready to go again, with Joaquin Benoit taking over setup duties. Frankie Francisco has also been recalled to take Gagne's place on the roster and may also see some late inning work.

[Molina00]

May 1st, 2007: Catalanotto to the DL

Frank Catalanotto, who was supposed to be setting the table with Kenny Lofton for the Rangers big bats, was placed on the 15-day DL today with a strain in his right bicep. Catalanotto had so far been a huge disappointment batting just .140 in 18 games for Texas.

Triple A outfielder Victor Diaz has been called up to take Catalanotto's place on the active roster.

[Molina00]

Teixeira Ties Club Record

In Saturday's game Mark Teixeira played in his 482nd consecutive game. That mark ties the record set by Alex Rodriguez during his 3 year stint in Texas from 2002 through 2004.

Unless by some strange occurence that Teixeira does not play Sunday, he will set the new Ranger club record. Teixeira is now only 2150 games away from tying Cal Ripken record of 2632 consecutive games played, about 13+ seasons away from tying the record.

[Roy31]

Good for Tex... Nice to see Hank Blalock hitting the ball well hes almost batting .300 which should be great for his confidence.

[Molina00]

Originally Posted by Roy31 Good for Tex... Nice to see Hank Blalock hitting the ball well hes almost batting .300 which should be great for his confidence.

Tex is really getting it going after his horrible extra base hit drought to start the season, and Blalock seems to finally be getting his power stroke back. Very nice to see. Just need to get the rest of the offense clicking, although Young has been picking up lately too.

[Molina00]

May 16th, 2007: Wilkerson to the DL, Mahar called up

Brad Wilkerson's struggles as a Ranger continue. He pulled his right hamstring in Tuesday's game against the Devil Rays and as a result has been placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Triple A outfielder Kevin Mahar, who was batting .349 for Oklahoma City, has been called up to take Wilkerson's place.

[Molina00]

May 18th, 2007: Blalock to have surgery

Hank Blalock will be going under the knife to remove a rib that is pressing against a nerve in his right shoulder area causing pain in that shoulder. He is expected to miss up to 3 months of the season due to the surgery.

Being called up to replace Blalock as the starting thirdbaseman is Travis Metcalf from Double-A. Metcalf has historically struggled offensively but is supposed to be a "glove master" according to manager Ron Washington.

[Molina00]

May 19th, 2007: Hairston placed on the DL

The injury bug continues to bite in north Texas. It's latest victim is Rangers utility man Jerry Hairston Junior. Hairston was placed on the DL apparently with a pinched nerve in his neck.

John Koronka was called up from Triple A to take Hairston's place, and make the start Saturday night. Koronka will be sent down and reliever Wes Littleton called up to take Koronka's place on the roster.

[Molina00]

June 9th, 2007: Teixeira goes on DL

Mark Teixeira was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left quadricep. The injury occurred as he was beating out a ground ball to first base in the Rangers 9-6 win over the Brewers on Friday. This will end his streak of 507 consecutive games played.

[Molina00]

Big news. Michael Young's batting average is near .300!

After batting just .215 in April, his average has skyrocketed up to .294 and he once against has a shot at a 200 hit season. He is currently on pace for 197 hits this year. He has been absolutely on fire in June batting an incredible .393 with 19 RBI in 20 games this month.

[brewersfan19]

uummm.... I think his big turn around started against the Brewers. He killed us. But I like I told you last year, he is one of my favorite players in the game today. So, I will forgive him for beating up my Brweers pitching.