Mike Napoli News

The Texas Rangers pulled starter Yu Darvish after five innings Sunday afternoon because the rookie pitcher said he felt some discomfort in his lower back.

A day after Josh Hamilton clubbed a game-winning two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler and Mike Napoli all smacked two-run shots and the Rangers' offense used a seven-run second inning to rout the Toronto Blue Jays, 12-6, and complete a three-game sweep.

Mike Napoli and Josh Hamilton are both feeling better today, but only one of them is well enough to play.

Josh Hamilton can expect a full weekend of hitting against shifted defenses. Toronto, based on information put together by coach Brian Butterfield, rivals Tampa Bay in its use of defensive shifts.

Feliz made his first public comments since landing on the disabled list, and made it clear that he views himself as a starter instead of a reliever.

The Texas Rangers scratched Mike Napoli from the starting lineup for Friday night's game against Toronto because of an undisclosed illness.

The Texas Rangers have been unusually quiet at the plate lately and might have trouble ending that trend against Toronto's Brandon Morrow, who is coming off his second shutout in four starts.

Every bullpen arm was available Wednesday afternoon, in part because an off day today would give all seven relievers a chance to rest up for the next series.

Texas Rangers' Mike Napoli strikes out swinging against the Seattle Mariners to end the baseball game on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, in Seattle.

In Ron Washington's view, Texas pitcher Scott Feldman did an adequate job making a fill-in start after Neftali Feliz ended up on the disabled list and the Rangers were left with limited options.

Rangers C Mike Napoli, hitting .210 without a homer in May, is getting the day off and Yorvit Torrealba will behind the plate.

Comment From Jayson ... Would you do a Grienke or Hamels rental considering this might be an all in year with Hamilton and Nap possibly moving elsewhere? Evan Grant: No.

Texas Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, left, watches as catcher, Mike Napoli, center, reacts after a Seattle Mariners' scoring play in the third inning during a baseball game in Seattle on Monday, May 21, 2012.

Seattle Bottom 5th - Mark Lowe starts the inning for the Rangers. Texas 0, Seattle 5 Texas Top 5th - - Mitch Moreland flied out to center to end the inning.

So the Rangers take 2 of 3, on the road, playing games with silly, imaginary rules that make pitchers go to bat.

SEATTLE - The Texas Rangers placed closer-turned-starter Neftali Feliz on the 15-day disabled list with right elbow inflammation Monday, three days after wildness cut short a start and cost the right-hander a win.

It's a good morning when you wake up and remember that the Rangers inched closer to retaining the Silver Boot for what may be the last time.

As one might expect, a lot of players put up some of their best statistical seasons in "contract years," the final seasons on their current deals, after which they can enter free agency.

The frustrating Derek Holland showed up today. The one that's not terrible, but that can't keep his fastballs down and is prone to the longball.

The Rangers watched Roy Oswalt throw a bullpen session Friday in Mississippi as part of their due diligence on the right-handed free agent, who had hoped to sign with either them or St.