The Texas Rangers made only a couple of changes to the 25-man ALDS lineup for the ALCS.
Out are infielder Esteban German and right-handed pitcher Dustin Nippert in favor of two lefties in the bullpen: Clay Rapada and Michael Kirkman.
MLB.com writers T.R. Sullivan and Bill Ladson said German was on the ALDS roster mainly to be used as a pinch runner in late-innings, but was never used. Nippert appeared in Texas' Game 3 loss to Tampa Bay where he gave up two runs on two hits in one inning.
Rapada and Kirkman will join Neftali Feliz, Darren Oliver, Derek Holland, Darren O'Day and Alexi Ogando in the bullpen.
The Rangers bullpen pitched an average of about three innings per game in the ALDS, allowed eight runs on 16 hits and five walks while striking out 15, MLB.com reported.
"You're going to give up runs once in a while," O'Day said to MLB.com. "It happens. What's good is [manager Ron Washington] made sure guys got their feet wet. I don't care who you are, your first game in the playoffs, there is going to be some nerves.
Game 1 of the ALCS is Friday night at 7:05 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
RH Pitchers (5)
Neftali Feliz
Tommy Hunter
Colby Lewis
Darren O'Day
Alexi Ogando
LH Pitchers (6)
Derek Holland
Michael Kirkman
Cliff Lee
Darren Oliver
Clay Rapada
C.J. Wilson
Catchers (2)
Bengie Molina
Matt Treanor
Infielders (6)
Elvis Andrus
Andres Blanco
Jorge Cantu
Ian Kinsler
Mitch Moreland
Michael Young
Outfielders (6)
Julio Borbon
Nelson Cruz
Jeff Francoeur
Vladimir Guerrero
Josh Hamilton
David Murphy
