Outstanding start by Vicente Padilla last night. Evan Grant says it the best start Padilla has had since coming to Texas, and once again, Padilla succeeded when relying on his fastball.
I was surprised Padilla was lifted when he was. He was only at 91 pitches, appeared to still be blowing and going, and I expected he could have gone back out for the eighth. I'm not sure if Washington and Mark Connor felt Padilla was out of gas, or if they were just being conservative in going to the pen, but personally, I'd be more comfortable leaving the guy who had been dominating all game out there for another inning than going to the bullpen for someone who has been a little shaky this season, and you don't know if he's got his good stuff or not.
Grant's game story also says that Michael Young is day to day with his injured hip flexor, and didn't rule out playing tonight.
Grant has some bloggy notes from last night's game that includes praise for Brandon Boggs, whom Grant says plays the game with an "infectious energy."
Jeff Wilson discusses Sidney Ponson's career resurrection over in the S-T today.
In case there was any question about it, T.R. Sullivan says the Rangers are committing to a platoon of Frank Catalanotto and Chris Shelton at first base, and don't have any plans for Ben Broussard to start again anytime soon.
Sullivan also says that John Patterson has had a setback in his return, and is heading back to Dallas to be checked out, while Luis Mendoza had a good throwing session yesterday.
The way Scott Feldman and Sidney Ponson are pitching, though, Mendoza may not have a job in the majors when he's ready to return.