ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Anthony Ranaudo got his first start with the Texas Rangers, and after a short outing he is already headed back to the minor leagues.
Ranaudo allowed six runs and six hits while getting only five outs in his Rangers debut, a 10-2 loss Wednesday in a series finale against the Los Angeles Angels.
“Fell behind, didn’t work the strike zone the way I’m sure he wanted to,” manager Jeff Banister said. “When you get behind big league hitters and you’ve got to pitch to the fat part of the plate, they’re not going to be quality at-bats for you as a pitcher.”
Carlos Corporan and Adam Rosales hit solo homers for the Rangers, who lost two of three in the series.
Ranaudo, acquired from Boston in January, was optioned back to Round Rock after the game. The right-hander had been recalled earlier in the day from the Triple-A team to pitch in place of injured starter Derek Holland.
“Even the ones that I did deliver for a strike were up in the zone, kind of thigh high, and I didn’t have command of my secondary pitches too good,” he said. “They were sitting on those fastballs.”
Holland, who missed most of last season recovering from left knee surgery, is out at least two months with a left shoulder issue after lasting only one inning in the home opener Friday, the Rangers’ fifth game of the season.
With three of the next eight days off, the Rangers won’t need a fifth starter for nearly two weeks. They also have to create a roster spot for relief pitcher Tanner Scheppers’ expected activation from the disabled list Friday.
Mike Trout had three hits, scored twice and drove in a run for the Angels to back another win in Texas for Hector Santiago (1-1).
Santiago allowed one run and four hits over seven innings, with five strikeouts and two walks. The left-hander is 4-0 with a 2.15 ERA in five career starts at Texas, the last four since joining the Angels last season.
The only run allowed by Santiago came when Corporan lined a homer into the right-field seats in the fifth inning for his first homer.
Rosales’ homer in the ninth snapped an 0-for-24 drought that went back to last season.
Albert Pujols had a pair of RBI singles and David Freese added a two-run single for the Angels, who have won 15 of their last 19 games against the Rangers — and 11 of 13 in Arlington.
Los Angeles went ahead to stay with a six-run second, when Santiago was in the tunnel because he didn’t want to know how big a lead he had. Trout drew a two-out walk and scored on Matt Joyce’s double that made it 6-0 and chase Ranaudo.
“I know we’re up. As long as I give up zeroes, I know we’re in a good place,” he said. “I didn’t know the score until I came out of the game.”
By that point, it was 10-1.
NEEDED BREAK
After playing 10 straight days to open the season, the Rangers have three of the next eight days off. “I’m glad we have some off days coming up, gives us some natural ability to get some of these guys off their legs,” Banister said. “Coming out spring training, guys not playing every single day, and then slammed right into 10 straight, it is a challenge.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Angels: Right-hander Garrett Richards (rehabbing after left knee surgery) is expected to join the team in Houston, and could start Sunday against the Astros. He threw 91 pitches over five innings in a rehab start Tuesday for Triple-A Salt Lake.
Rangers: Right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla had Tommy John surgery Wednesday, and also had bone spurs removed from his elbow. The Rangers said the surgery went as expected. … Right-hander Kyuji Fujikawa (groin) pitched an inning Tuesday for Double-A Frisco, and continue rehab with Triple-A Round Rock on Friday. … Left-handers Martin Perez (Tommy John surgery) and Matt Harrison (spinal fusion) will continue rehab in extended spring training in Surprise, Arizona, starting Friday.
UP NEXT
Angels: Los Angeles has a day off Thursday before opening a three-game series in Houston on Friday.
Rangers: The Rangers get a day off before playing Friday at Seattle.