Spring Training Game 6: Rangers (0-4-1) vs. White Sox (2-0-2)

Alexi Ogando (0-0, 20.25 ERA)

vs.

Simon Castro (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Spring Training Game 6: Rangers (0-4-1) at White Sox (2-0-2)

The Rangers will be looking to end their winless streak this spring when they take the field against the White Sox for the second consecutive day.  Chicago blasted the Rangers 14-8 on Tuesday, scoring 11 runs in the third and fourth innings against four Texas relievers.  

Texas will start Alexi Ogando against the White Sox, his first start of the spring but his second appearance.  Last Friday Ogando threw 1.1 innings against Kansas City, allowing three runs on two hits and giving up a long ball, while walking two and striking out none.  Ogando is slated to open the season in the Rangers rotation a year after being moved to the bullpen.  As a starter in 2011, Ogando was 13-8 in 29 starts for Texas with a 3.51 ERA.  Ogando for his career is 19-9 in 30 starts,and has a 3.12 ERA in 133 total appearances.

Chicago will answer with a minor league arm with no major league experience, Simon Castro.  Castro started 21 games in 2012 split between three levels, going 7-5 with a 3.85 ERA and 88 strikeouts in 117 innings.  Castro spent most of the season in Double-A with Birmingham, but did get five starts with Triple-A Charlotte.  Castro has not appeared in a game this spring for Chicago.

Other Spring Training Action Today:

Grapefruit League:

Atlanta (2-3) at Detroit (2-2), 12:05 pm CT
Baltimore (SS) at N.Y. Yankees (1-3), 12:05 pm CT
Houston (2-2) at Toronto (2-3), 12:05 pm CT

Miami (2-1) at Washington (1-2), 12:05 pm CT
Philadelphia (1-2) at Minnesota (2-2), 12:05 pm CT
Tampa Bay (4-1) at Pittsburgh (2-1), 12:05 pm CT
St. Louis (2-2) at N.Y. Mets (1-2), 12:10 pm CT
Boston (2-3) at Baltimore (SS), 6:05 pm CT

Notes: The first game on the schedule features the best pitching match-up of the day, with Tim Hudson of the Braves facing Rick Porcello of the Tigers.  Another interesting match-up of starting pitchers will take place when Pirates Opening Day starter A.J. Burnett will face the 2011 American League Rookie of the Year, Jeremy Hellickson.  Dan Haren will debut for the Nationals against Miami today, as will Lance Lynn for the Cardinals.  One of the brightest pitching prospects in baseball will make his first start for the Mets today, as 22 year old Zack Wheeler will start against the Cardinals.  Wheeler struck out two and walked one in his first appearance of the spring on Saturday against Washington.

Cactus League:

Colorado (2-2) at San Diego (SS), 2:05 pm CT

L.A. Dodgers (1-1) at Chicago Cubs (3-1), 2:05 pm CT
Milwaukee (1-4) at Kansas City (4-0), 2:05 pm CT

San Diego (SS) at Oakland (1-3), 2:05 pm CT
Seattle (4-1) at Cleveland (5-1), 2:05 pm CT

San Francisco (1-1) at L.A. Angels (0-4), 2:05 pm CT

Cincinnati (1-4) at Arizona (2-2), 2:10 pm CT

Notes: Brandon McCarthy will be taking the hill for the Diamondbacks against Cincinnati today, making his first appearance since being struck in the head last September while playing for Oakland.  Cincinnati will counter with one of their nice young arms in Johnny Cueto.   Ryan Vogelsong will take the hill for the Giants against the Angels on Wednesday.  The Angels are still looking for their first win of the spring as well.  The Mariners and Indians will meet, with Cleveland starting Brett Myers, who won his first start of the spring.