Saturday morning Rangers stuff

That was a nice bounceback from Thursday's ugly defeat.  I'll take 15-5, even if it included another bad outing from Michael Kirkman, who I suspect will be sent down at some point this weekend to make room for Darren O'Day on the active roster.

Jeff Wilson's game story talks about Alexi Ogando addressing concerns that he's fatigued by flirting with a no-hitter.

The game story on the Rangers' website heralds the work of Ogando and Nelson Cruz, who had a 6 RBI game.

Richard Durrett has his post-game reactions at the ESPN Dallas blog.

Evan Grant writes behind the paywall that Ogando's performance suggests the talk of skipping his next start is premature.

Wilson has a piece on Tommy Hunter's return to the bullpen, in which he talks about the internal reinforcements for the pen.  Jon Daniels is quoted as saying that Darren O'Day should be up soon, and that while Yoshinori Tateyama could be sent down to make room for O'Day, Ron Washington says Tateyama will replace Dave Bush as the long man.  Interestingly, Wilson says the Rangers have been trying, unsuccessfully, to trade Arthur Rhodes lately, and that Rhodes could be designated for assignment to make room for O'Day.  

Wilson also suggests that the Rangers could go back to an eight man bullpen, but there's simply no need for a bullpen that big, nor enough work for that many relievers.  Plus, as we saw earlier in the season, going with just a three man bench causes tactical flexibility problems.

The S-T's notes talk about Ron Washington's having to make some tough decisions on the All Star team and the Rangers having a lengthy stretch at home right now.

The Ranger website notes have stuff on O'Day's imminent return, saying he's expected back today or tomorrow, Tommy Hunter in the bullpen, and Neil Ramirez going on the disabled list in Round Rock.

Durrett writes about how the All Star teams will be picked, and Washington's role in selecting certain reserves.

Wilson has a story about C.J. Wilson's auto racing team.