Orioles, Rangers unsure whether weather will let them play

ARLINGTON, Texas - Depending on which forecast you check today, we're getting a lot of rain or a whole bunch of rain.

There may be a few windows to play the game, but we could be here all night. The Orioles will wait as long as necessary rather than lose their off-day on Monday.

The Rangers also are off Monday, but it's the first open date on their schedule and it's my understanding that players would have to give their approval to lose it. Otherwise, they would play 24 days in a row.

wright-pitching-front-white sidebar.jpgMike Wright is supposed to make his second start of the year and his 11th in the majors. He already was pushed back twice before his debut, once because of the weather, and would probably like to get on a normal routine.

Of course, he's just happy to be in the rotation. A spot wasn't waiting for him in spring training and he knows changes are coming with Kevin Gausman nearing a return.

Wright allowed four runs and five hits in five innings at Fenway Park. He threw 96 pitches. Now he's facing the Rangers for the first time in his brief career.

The Orioles have seen plenty of Derek Holland, who's 5-2 with a 2.94 ERA and 1.143 WHIP in eight games (seven starts) against them.

Holland has served up only three home runs against the Orioles in 49 innings. They can hit that many in one inning and not break a sweat.

Mark Trumbo is 14-for-45 with three doubles, five home runs and 12 RBIs against Holland. The only question is whether he's in right field or serving as designated hitter.

My guess is DH, with Joey Rickard and Nolan Reimold in the corners.

Matt Wieters could DH, but he's 2-for-18 against Holland. J.J. Hardy is 2-for-14 and Chris Davis is 1-for-11.

Holland is making his third start this season. He's allowed three runs and eight hits in 11 2/3 innings, with four walks and nine strikeouts.

Showalter should be able to use Brad Brach, Darren O'Day and Zach Britton, three relievers he wanted to rest last night. Mychal Givens was saddled with an unearned run in two-thirds of an inning, with two hits allowed and two more strikeouts.

Givens has permitted four runs (three earned) and nine hits and walked two batters in 5 2/3 innings over six appearances, but he's also struck out 13.

Manny Machado extended his hitting streak to 11 games last night with a home run in the first inning, the longest active streak in the American League.

Adam Jones is three home runs shy of 200 for his career. Last night's shot in the third inning measured 460 feet, the longest of his career.




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