Rangers notes: Rivalry with Astros finally getting real

It was the finger point that, perhaps, ignited a true rivalry between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros.

For the first time in their 14-year Lone Star Series battle for the Silver Boot trophy, there is actually some postseason-like intensity to the action.

Both managers didn’t so much as downplay the dugout-clearing jawing match that erupted at the start of the ninth inning Saturday when Astros catcher Hank Conger took exception to Rougned Odor taking his time getting in the batter’s box. Odor asked Conger what he said and Conger stood up and took a step toward Odor before Prince Fielder raced in from the on-deck circle to keep the two apart.

That emptied both dugouts. Before order was restored, Rangers manager Jeff Banister was pointing his finger in the face of Astros manager A.J. Hinch in the middle of the scrum. It made for good theater and added some drama to an already drama-filled 7-6 Rangers win.

“I think anytime you have two teams in the state, representing their fan bases, go out and play hard and battle it out to the bitter end, I think that is special and it should be good for Texas baseball,” said Banister, who compared the intensity to the rivalries between the Cubs and Cardinals and the Cardinals and Pirates.

“A lot those teams are fairly close in proximity and it’s a tough brand of baseball. I believe [Rangers-Astros] can be that type of rivalry as long as it’s hard-nosed baseball and a good brand of baseball,” said Banister, who grew up just south of Houston. “I like the fact that Houston is extremely competitive and playing hard and winning. I love the fact our ballclub is right there with them and trying to play the game hard and the right way.”

Both he and Hinch downplayed any bad blood.

“Jeff is a good man and a good baseball man. He’s defending his team like I was. I don’t think there’s anything really to talk about it,” Hinch said. “I love the intensity of the rivalry. Both teams really responded favorably. If you take yourself out of those situations, what a fun display of emotions and care.

“Obviously, sometimes this stuff boils over and it could get a little bit crazy. July baseball turns quickly into sort of pennant-race, end-of-the-season type of emotion. Last night both teams displayed pretty good will to want to get the upper hand.”

Banister laughed off any hard feelings.

“It’s a non-issue in my mind. We are friends. I like A.J.,” he said. “We all have grown up disagreements. It just happened to be he and I had a 14-year-old disagreement in the middle of the field. I respect A.J. I respect him more today, really. There’s nothing [to it]. It is in the spirit of the competition. You’re out there leading your guys, plain and simple.”

Martinez returns

Rangers right-hander Nick Martinez was recalled from Triple A Round Rock to start Monday’s game at Colorado.

Martinez was sent to Round Rock in early July while Matt Harrison and Martin Perez made their returns to the mound for Texas.

It was also a chance for Martinez, who has thrown 97 innings for the Rangers, to get some rest before the second half began. His 3.43 ERA is second among Rangers starters behind Yovani Gallardo.

In two appearances in the minors, Martinez allowed three earned runs on eight hits in six innings. He allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk in two innings on Thursday. He had five strikeouts in the six combined innings.

The Rangers will announce a corresponding roster move to make room for Martinez on Monday.

“We wanted to get Nick back in play after we gave him an opportunity to freshen up,” Banister said.

Martinez is back in the regular rotation, Banister added, and is not up for just a spot start.

Monday’s start was left-handed veteran Wandy Rodriguez’s spot in the rotation. Rodriguez will be used out of the bullpen for the time being as a long man along with Anthony Ranaudo and Anthony Bass.

Rodriguez would likely be the first pitcher up if either Tuesday’s starter Matt Harrison or Wednesday’s starter Martin Perez (both combing back from long layoffs) falter early.

“We thought he was the best guy to do that among the starters,” Banister said. “We can plug him back in the rotation down the road if we need to.”

Quotable

“I watched a really good movie [called] Hoosiers and they measured the goal ... you can’t get caught up into how the ball really flies. That’s real, the high altitude is real, but again, we get back to the mental toughness.” — Banister on whether he approaches games at the Rockies’ Coors Field where fly balls travel well any differently

This story was originally published July 19, 2015 at 12:45 PM with the headline "Rangers notes: Rivalry with Astros finally getting real."