Saturday a.m. Rangers things

Good morning, folks...

The Rangers beat the M’s, 3-1, in 13 innings last night.

Levi Weaver’s game story talks about all the heroes, especially the relievers who stepped up with Keone Kela, Jeremy Jeffress and possibly Jose Leclerc unavailable.

Evan Grant reviews the state of the bullpen after the 13 inning game, noting that Tony Barnette and Matt Bush are out today and possibly tomorrow, with Jose Leclerc’s status also in question.

Rougned Odor, who appears to be snapping out of his early season slump, says he is seeing the ball better. Odor says his new long-term deal isn’t creating more pressure for him, and that he plays the game because he loves it, not because of money.

Rangers hitters are looking to cut down on their strikeouts.

The Rangers have contemplated using Matt Bush before the 9th, as Jeff Banister weighs how best to manage his bullpen. Banister says now is not the time for a “no roles” pen management plan.

Chris Roland talks about Joey Gallo taking a big step forward after a frustrating 2016 season.

Ben Lindbergh writes that Gallo (and Aaron Judge) are re-defining what it means to be a power hitter in 2017.

Stefan Stevenson has a piece on the C.J. Nitkowski/Dave Raymond pairing in the TV booth that is doing the bulk of the Rangers games this year.

Levi has his Baseball Texas Daily notes.