Good morning.
Todd Wills provides the Rapid Reaction to the Oakland A's 9-2 drubbing of the Texas Rangers. That wasn't a game that we'll likely see included on the 2013 Texas Rangers Highlights DVD.
T.R. Sullivan's game story notes that Josh Lindblom was optioned back to Triple-A after the game possibly to get a fresh arm up to Arlington, as he'll be available to be recalled the next time the Rangers need a fifth starter (because they play a doubleheader in Arizona next week), or possibly because he subjected us to that game.
Drew Davison has an update on the transaction with Lindblom heading back to Round Rock. No corresponding move as been made but Davison speculates that Neal Cotts could be the one to get the call. In addition, A.J. Pierzynski has been activated and Robinson Chirinos has been re-imprisoned in Triple-A.
Behind the DMN paywall, Evan Grant makes it clear that he's no fan of Lindblom's (fastball) and speculates that Martin Perez could make the next needed start against Arizona in Monday's upcoming scheduled doubleheader.
WFAA & LSB's own Or Moyal and LSB's friend Jason Cole discuss the Rangers' current bullpen and the various options in the minors who could help.
One option discussed by Moyal and Cole is Kyle McClellan, and, as Michael Florek writes, he made his second appearance yesterday and claims that his arm feels the best that it has in two years.
Jeff Wilson writes about Colby Lewis' rehab appearance and notes that Colby's fastball was sitting at around 85-86 MPH which Lewis admitted leaves him unprepared to get big league hitters out just yet.
Sullivan and Christian Corona share Notebook duties and write about A.J.'s return, the plan for Jurickson Profar's playing time, how the Ranger catchers fared in A.J.'s absence, and other items.
Davison's notes tackle Derek Lowe getting the boot, Yu Darvish being ready for Yuesday, McClellan declaring himself two weeks away from being useful, and a couple other notes.
Lastly, Jean-Jacques Taylor has his weekly piece on Darvish being an ace.