Ariel Jurado to start against Houston on Saturday

With Cole Hamels, who was the Texas Rangers’ scheduled starter for Saturday’s game against the Houston Astros, now officially a member of the Chicago Cubs, the Rangers have announced that Ariel Jurado will be starting on Saturday. Jurado, currently at AA Frisco, had a spot start earlier this season against the Chicago White Sox,allowing 4 runs in 4.2 IP, with 2 walks and 2 Ks. A roster move will presumably be made tomorrow to add Jurado.

Righthanded pitcher Eddie Butler, who has a history of starting, came over to Texas in the deal that sent Hamels to Chicago, and I had assumed that Butler would step into the rotation, but Jon Daniels said today that Butler will be working out of the bullpen for the time being, with an opportunity to possibly start later this year. Butler has been working as a long man for the Cubs this year, and has a 4.08 ERA in 17.2 IP over 8 games in the majors. In AAA, Butler has started but also struggled mightily, putting up an 8.10 ERA with 9 Ks against 5 walks and 4 home runs in 13.1 IP over 5 starts.