Palmeiro's review mixed after return to first base
By T.R. SULLIVAN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
HOUSTON - Rafael Palmeiro returned to the Rangers' lineup Saturday. The results were as good as the Rangers could have hoped, but he probably won't be out there today.
Palmeiro, starting at first base for the first time since May 11, had a double in three at-bats in the Rangers' 4-0 loss to the Astros on Saturday. He flied out in his other two at-bats and made one tricky play to his right on the only ground ball hit to him during the game.
Palmeiro has a sprained left ankle and a strained right calf. He said the calf bothered him more than the ankle Saturday.
"I thought I did OK, not great," Palmeiro said. "My problem is really not playing defense or when I'm hitting. It's when I run the bases."
He led off the fifth inning with a double high off the left-field wall but struggled to get into second base ahead of center fielder Lance Berkman's throw. The double was Palmeiro's 1,000th extra-base hit of his major-league career, making him the 25th player to reach that number.
Palmeiro will likely sit out today.
Young approach
Second baseman Michael Young was a big contributor for the Rangers on Friday, going 5-for-5 with two home runs in a 9-6 victory over the Astros.
Saturday was a little different as Young struck out three consecutive times .
The Rangers liked the home runs. But they'll trade them for fewer strikeouts.
As Young pulls himself out of a slump that at one point had him in a 1-for-30 stretch, the Rangers are trying to emphasize less power and more contact. Manager Jerry Narron said Young's success as a hitter will be judged on his on-base percentage, not his slugging percentage.
"That's something I'm definitely working on," Young said. "Line drives, ground balls, use my speed, use the entire field. But even when I was in a slump, I was still doing a good job of making contact, working the count and not striking out much."
Unusual save
Randy Flores was given the game ball from Friday night's 9-6 victory over the Rangers, and it sat in his locker on Saturday morning.
"I should give it to Pudge," Flores said.
That's because Rodriguez allowed Flores to get one of the more unusual saves ever seen by a Rangers pitcher. Flores entered the game with two out and a runner on first, and threw one pitch to Orlando Merced. The pitch was a ball, but Rodriguez picked Richard Hidalgo off first base to end the game.
Flores said Rodriguez deserves the credit. But Flores did throw the ball inside and backed Merced down, which gave Rodriguez momentum and a clear vision to first base. "Yep," Flores said. "That's just the way we choreographed it in spring training."
Briefly
The Rangers are concerned about shortstop Alex Rodriguez's availability for today's game. He took a foul ball off his left foot during Saturday's game and was limping noticeably afterward.
Pitcher Rudy Seanez, sidelined with shoulder stiffness, is hoping to throw a couple of more times in the bullpen and be ready to be activated by Thursday. He said he doesn't think he'll need a medical rehabilitation assignment in the minors.
GAMEDAY
SCOUTING REPORT
The Rangers go with their best as Kenny Rogers attempts to bounce back from a loss in his most recent outing. Rogers has pitched well against the Astros in his career but only has one decision, a victory. Houston's Carlos Hernandez has never pitched against the Rangers but has been effective this season, putting together a 5-2 record.
By T.R. SULLIVAN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
HOUSTON - Rafael Palmeiro returned to the Rangers' lineup Saturday. The results were as good as the Rangers could have hoped, but he probably won't be out there today.
Palmeiro, starting at first base for the first time since May 11, had a double in three at-bats in the Rangers' 4-0 loss to the Astros on Saturday. He flied out in his other two at-bats and made one tricky play to his right on the only ground ball hit to him during the game.
Palmeiro has a sprained left ankle and a strained right calf. He said the calf bothered him more than the ankle Saturday.
"I thought I did OK, not great," Palmeiro said. "My problem is really not playing defense or when I'm hitting. It's when I run the bases."
He led off the fifth inning with a double high off the left-field wall but struggled to get into second base ahead of center fielder Lance Berkman's throw. The double was Palmeiro's 1,000th extra-base hit of his major-league career, making him the 25th player to reach that number.
Palmeiro will likely sit out today.
Young approach
Second baseman Michael Young was a big contributor for the Rangers on Friday, going 5-for-5 with two home runs in a 9-6 victory over the Astros.
Saturday was a little different as Young struck out three consecutive times .
The Rangers liked the home runs. But they'll trade them for fewer strikeouts.
As Young pulls himself out of a slump that at one point had him in a 1-for-30 stretch, the Rangers are trying to emphasize less power and more contact. Manager Jerry Narron said Young's success as a hitter will be judged on his on-base percentage, not his slugging percentage.
"That's something I'm definitely working on," Young said. "Line drives, ground balls, use my speed, use the entire field. But even when I was in a slump, I was still doing a good job of making contact, working the count and not striking out much."
Unusual save
Randy Flores was given the game ball from Friday night's 9-6 victory over the Rangers, and it sat in his locker on Saturday morning.
"I should give it to Pudge," Flores said.
That's because Rodriguez allowed Flores to get one of the more unusual saves ever seen by a Rangers pitcher. Flores entered the game with two out and a runner on first, and threw one pitch to Orlando Merced. The pitch was a ball, but Rodriguez picked Richard Hidalgo off first base to end the game.
Flores said Rodriguez deserves the credit. But Flores did throw the ball inside and backed Merced down, which gave Rodriguez momentum and a clear vision to first base. "Yep," Flores said. "That's just the way we choreographed it in spring training."
Briefly
The Rangers are concerned about shortstop Alex Rodriguez's availability for today's game. He took a foul ball off his left foot during Saturday's game and was limping noticeably afterward.
Pitcher Rudy Seanez, sidelined with shoulder stiffness, is hoping to throw a couple of more times in the bullpen and be ready to be activated by Thursday. He said he doesn't think he'll need a medical rehabilitation assignment in the minors.
GAMEDAY
SCOUTING REPORT
The Rangers go with their best as Kenny Rogers attempts to bounce back from a loss in his most recent outing. Rogers has pitched well against the Astros in his career but only has one decision, a victory. Houston's Carlos Hernandez has never pitched against the Rangers but has been effective this season, putting together a 5-2 record.
