The obvious alternative is veteran Kyle Lohse, who has made 10 starts at Triple-A Round Rock and is 3-5 with a 5.06 ERA. He has a 3.46 ERA in his last two starts, but the Rangers are staying with Martinez, who is 0-1 with a 6.86 ERA in four starts.
"It's a combination -- he's here, he's ready, he's done it in the past and he's got the stuff,' Banister said. "Put it all together. He's going to pitch. It's crucial he shows up and gives us a good start."
It's crucial because the starters' struggles go beyond the last road trip.