SAN DIEGO -- The Rangers knew September would be the month to experiment and they have been doing just that.
Texas has utilized an "opener" in certain starts this month, electing to use a reliever as a starter before giving way to the primary pitcher. They saw their experiment pay off for the first time Friday night in a 4-0 victory over the Padres and they'll hope to continue that success by using Alex Claudio as an opener for Ariel Jurado in Saturday's matchup.
Connor Sadzeck opened Friday's game with a clean first inning to lead the way for Yohander Mendez, who pitched five scoreless innings.