Ezequiel Duran

The Rangers are one of the rare teams with seven games in seven days to open the season, and they really needed more from Rocker tonight with the bullpen already tired. As it was, they left in the about-to-be-demoted Gerson Garabito to give up eight runs in 2 2/3 innings and then turned to infielder Ezequiel Duran to pitch the final frame. Rocker gave up two homers that accounted for five runs and seven other hard-hit balls. He figures to make another start against the Rays next weekend, but he could be sent down afterwards with Patrick Corbin coming up.

Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters they expect Jung to be back after the minimum amount of time on the injured list. Josh Smith started at third base Saturday and had to leave the game after taking a tumble while trying to catch a foul pop up. Ezequiel Duran filled in for Smith, but now with Jung on the injured list the Rangers can add another infielder to the roster in a move we expect shortly.

Smith banged against the wall while trying to make a play against the outfield. The 27-year-old was clearly in pain, and he was replaced by Ezequiel Duran. The 27-year-old should have an update on his status before the end of Saturday's contest. The Rangers now down to their third-string third baseman, as Josh Jung is unavailable due to neck spasms.

Ezequiel Duran is having a tough spring, and it looks like the Rangers might go with Pillar over him for their one open bench spot. It would give them some extra flexibility in center, as neither Evan Carter nor Leody Taveras figures to do much damage against left-handed pitchers.