Vicente Padilla is still in Nicaragua tending to a family issue, so lefty A.J. Murray will start tomorrow. Padilla should pitch at some point this weekend, though the club isn't sure when.Kevin Millwood also has a "personal issue" to deal with on Wednesday, so he'll start Thursday and Sidney Ponson will pitch on three days rest. So in a week where the bullpen may be needed, the Rangers sure would like Doug Mathis to give them some innings tonight.
Given Ron Washington's comments yesterday, one would assume room will be made for Murray by putting Padilla on the bereavement list. And conventional wisdom has it that sinkerballs like Ponson aren't really hurt that much by going on short rest.
Still...this whole thing is kind of a mess. And if Mathis can't go very long today, expect a move tomorrow to get a fresh arm back up here.