The Texas Rangers probably feel like their first off day of the season couldn't have come soon enough Thursday. They dove right back into the fire Friday with the first of a three-game series at rival Houston.
The Astros took three out of four from the Rangers in the season-opening series two weeks ago.
The Rangers placed Elvis Andrus on the 10-day disabled list Friday after he was struck by a pitch Wednesday and fractured his elbow. It's the first time in Andrus' career he has been injured. He's expected to miss 6-8 weeks.
The Rangers now have both their opening day starting middle infielders on the disabled list with Andrus joining Rougned Odor, who is nursing strained hamstring.
The team recalled first baseman Ronald Guzman from Triple-A Round Rock to take Andrus' roster spot. Guzman batted .298 with 12 home runs at Round Rock last season and was hitting .412 in five games this season. Guzman, the Rangers' No. 8 overall prospect according to MLB.com, is expected to see regular at-bats with Joey Gallo due to get playing time in the outfield.
NEXT FIVE
Saturday — Texas (Mike Minor, 1-1, 2.53) at Houston (Charlie Morton, 2-0, 0.00), 3:10 p.m., FSSW
Sunday —Texas (Bartolo Colon 0-0, 1.64) at Houston (Justin Verlander 2-0, 1.45), 7 p.m., ESPN
Monday — Texas (Martin Perez 1-1, 11.88) at Tampa Bay (Blake Snell 1-1, 3.60), 6 p.m., FSSW
Tuesday — Texas (Matt Moore 0-2, 11.05) at Tampa Bay (TBA), 6 p.m., FSSW
Wednesday — Texas (Cole Hamels, 1-2, 6.19) at Tampa Bay (Jacob Faria, 0-1, 8.18), 6 p.m., FSSW