OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Rangers could expand their investigation into "openers" and "primary" pitchers over the weekend.
Manager Jeff Banister said Friday the club was considering using an opener ahead of traditional starter Yohander Mendez. It is "likely" the Rangers will use Jeffrey Springs ahead of Ariel Jurado again Sunday. The duo teamed up for six scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday.
If the Rangers go to the opener Saturday, right-hander Connor Sadzeck, who can hit 100 mph with his fastball, might be the choice. Sadzeck-Mendez would give them a right-handed/left-handed tandem; Springs-Jurado a lefty/righty tandem.