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Rangers notebook: New pitching approach continues to be effective

ARLINGTON - For openers, the Rangers have done just fine.

In their second attempt to give a "primary" pitcher the benefit of not having to face the top of the order in the first inning, the Rangers got another perfect inning from the reliever who started the game.

On Friday, Jose Leclerc worked through the top three spots in the St. Louis order on just 12 pitches, striking out Paul Goldschmidt and Paul DeJong. When they used Jesse Chavez in the role 10 days ago, he needed just 10 pitches in a perfect first.

The Rangers are also considering an opener for Saturday or could just use Ariel Jurado for about 75 pitches.