Esmil Rogers learned he won a spot in Colorado's starting rotation two days earlier. On Friday night, he pitched as if he wanted to make sure it was still true.
Rogers threw six solid innings and had two hits, helping the Colorado Rockies beat the Texas Rangers 10-3.
"When I was told I'd be the fifth starter I didn't want to put any pressure on myself," Rogers said. "I just have to trust my stuff and not think about whose in the batter's box."
The night didn't go as well for Derek Holland, who was added to the Rangers' rotation Thursday. Holland lasted 4 1-3 innings, giving up eight runs on 13 hits. He walked three and struck out three.
"He really didn't pitch that badly," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "If we had made some plays behind him it might have been a better ball game."
One of those plays was Troy Tulowitzki's line drive to center field that Julio Borbon seemed to have a bead on and then short-hopped in the first inning. Instead of the third out, it opened the way for three runs. Josh Hamilton appeared to have trouble with Jose Lopez's two-run triple later in the inning.
Borbon, who said the ball knuckled and he just misjudged it according to Washington, was removed from the game an inning later.
"Manager's decision," Washington said. "A teachable moment, that's what it was and there's no more to say about it. He'll be in the lineup tomorrow."
Carlos Gonzalez and Lopez each drove in two runs for the Rockies, who had 20 hits. Todd Helton added three hits and an RBI and Jonathan Herrera had two hits and drove in a run.
Rogers allowed an unearned run on three hits. He walked one and struck out four.
"If there was ever an interesting test for a guy who just learned he was going to be a starter, we witnessed it tonight," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "Not only was he a very good pitcher but he did things for us offensively. It was a very impressive performance."
Texas relief pitcher Arthur Rhodes also left the game prematurely because of ongoing problems with left wrist tendinitis. Washington said tingling in the area was getting worse.
Game Notes:
- The Rangers optioned OF Doug Deeds, OF Endy Chavez, C Kevin Cash, IF Esteban German to Triple-A Round Rock.
- Rockies' RHP Greg Reynolds is scheduled to throw six innings in a minor league game Monday. If he doesn't win a spot in the bullpen with the Rockies, he will be in the rotation in Colorado Springs.
- Texas OF Craig Gentry (sprained right shoulder) participated in indoor batting practice.
- Tracy said he wants to make a decision on a backup catcher and the final bullpen spot before the Rockies break camp.
- Rangers RHP Brandon Webb completed a long toss session and may start throwing off a mound soon.
