Michael Young is out of the starting lineup as manager Ron Washington gets Mitch Moreland a game in the interleague series against San Diego. Washington said that he consulted Young about which game he would like off, and he chose Tuesday over Wednesday so that he wouldn't have two straight days off. The Rangers don't play Thursday.
Young is mired in a 2-for-22 skid over the last six games to drop his average to .270. Washington said that Young is jumping at the ball and not trusting his hands, but Washington also believes that Young can break the slump at any moment. That's one reason why he plans to keep Young batting fifth, and also no other good candidates have emerged to replace him.
Asked if Matt Harrison is an All-Star, Washington declined to answer as manager of the American League team. Washington, though, said that if Harrison (9-3) continues to perform as well as he has of late, he will have to be considered for a roster spot for the Midsummer Classic. Harrison said an All-Star berth would be an honor, but also said that Colby Lewis and Yu Darvish are just as deserving for consideration as he is.
Outfielder Brad Hawpe asked for and received his release from a minor-league contract. He had been on the disabled list at Double A Frisco as he attempted to recover from left elbow fatigue. Hawpe had Tommy John surgery last year, and said that he isn't close to helping the big-league club.
Derek Holland will long-toss for a fifth straight day, take Wednesday off and possibly throw a bullpen session Friday. He hopes he can make a rehab start Monday and be back in the Rangers' rotation before July 1.
-- Jeff Wilson
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