Michael Young said that his neck remains too stiff to allow him to return to the lineup. There has been progress, he said, and progress is made by the hour. However, the 1 p.m. local start here in Tampa isn't enough time for Young's neck to completely unwind. Young said he isn't sure when he'll be able to return.
Brandon Boggs, indeed, was almost asked to pitch the ninth inning Tuesday night, but manager Ron Washington decided to squeeze an inning out of Darren O'Day. Washington, who is opposed to using position players as pitchers, said that he told Boggs just to put the ball over the plate no matter how many runs the Rays scored. The outfielder threw a couple warmup pitches before Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux went to O'Day.
Andres Blanco said his left shoulder is fine after a fourth-inning collision with Jason Bartlett as three Rangers tried to field a popped-up bunt by John Jaso. Blanco stayed on the ground for a couple minutes, as much out of shock as anything else.
Pedro Strop, who allowed five runs in the seventh inning Tuesday, was optioned to Triple A Oklahoma City to create a roster spot for Derek Holland.
The Rangers are in the midst of a four-game road losing streak that has dropped their away record to 28-28. Since June 1, though, they are 20-13. That's second best in the majors.
-- Jeff Wilson
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