video thumbnail

KC@TB: Shields fans seven over 7 2/3 to earn the win

Texas got to Tampa Bay starter David Price early and often Monday, tagging him for six runs in four-plus innings, but James Shields will look to cool the Rangers' bats down Tuesday.

The righty takes the mound for the Rays as they try to even things up in a three-game set against the Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Shields is coming off back-to-back wins with the latest coming against the Royals in which he allowed three runs over 7 2/3 innings on five hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. He's faced the Rangers just once this season, picking up a win, but he allowed 11 hits that resulted in four runs in the process.

"They obviously score a lot of runs; it's our job as starting pitchers to shut them down," Shields said. "We've been playing really good baseball of late. We're just coming into this series with the same mindset we've had over the last month or so to try and win the series."

He'll be up against Yu Darvish, who takes the mound for the Rangers. He missed his last start because of right quad tightness but threw bullpen sessions Saturday and Sunday, saying he felt fine.

Darvish struggled mightily throughout July and his first two starts in August but has rebounded in each of his last two outings, allowing three runs in each. He didn't get much run support in his latest, a loss to the Blue Jays on Aug. 17, giving up the three runs on three hits and a walk in seven innings but striking out 10.

Texas manager Ron Washington said one of the biggest differences has been Darvish's aggressiveness and command of the fastball.

"He's headed in the right direction," Washington said. "He understands what he's trying to do and he goes out and does it."

Rays: Rodriguez breaks hand in Triple-A
Infielder Sean Rodriguez was set to be part of the September callups but now the rest of his season might be gone.

The infielder punched a locker after a game for Triple-A Durham and broke his hand. He was optioned to the Bulls when designated hitter Luke Scott came off the disabled list but would have likely been called back up when rosters expand Saturday.

"He was going to play [upon his return]," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "It's just too bad because he really fits in really well right now. We sent him down with specific ideas and instructions on what to work on regarding coming back and when he was going to come back. It was all set up. Everything was there, man. It's just unfortunate that this happened, because, especially against left-handed pitchers, he's a big part of what we do here."

Rodriguez was hitting .215 in the Majors before being sent down.

Rangers: Hernandez designated for assignment
Utility man Luis Hernandez was designated for assignment by Texas on Monday to make room for Michael Young, who returned from paternity leave.

As a result, the Rangers are left without a second utility infielder, but the team may consider bringing Alberto Gonzalez back up after he was outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock earlier in the month.

The extra 40-man roster spot could also be used to call up a prospect when rosters expand Saturday. Jurickson Profar of Double-A Frisco may be a candidate for it after hitting .284 with the RoughRiders this season.

• Rangers catcher Mike Napoli tested his injured left quadriceps muscle by doing baserunning drills Monday but is still unable to go on a rehab assignment.

Worth noting
• Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre went 3-for-3 with four RBIs in the opening game Monday, rebounding from a pair of 0-for-4 days.

• Tampa Bay's top four players in the lineup picked up all six of the club's hits in Monday's matchup.

MLB.com Comments