Rangers tap Martinez to start Friday vs. Angels

Right-hander Nick Martinez earned another spot start Friday at Globe Life Park against the Los Angeles Angels, but it could be his last for a some time.

A.J. Griffin, another candidate for the start, will instead pitch for Triple A Round Rock on a rehab assignment and presumably come off the 10-day disabled list next week and replace Martinez.

Griffin, who is dealing with gout in his left ankle, threw a touch-and-feel bullpen session Wednesday after throwing a full bullpen Monday. The Rangers, as is becoming their norm, are taking a cautious approach with him.

“Make sure that Griffin is back in pitch mode and healthy,” manager Jeff Banister said. “And we have Nick here. He threw the ball well, so we can be conservative with A.J.”

Martinez received a no-decision Saturday after allowing one run in seven innings on four hits and a walk after taking a no-hitter into the sixth.

This story was originally published April 26, 2017 at 6:13 PM with the headline "Rangers tap Martinez to start Friday vs. Angels."