Rangers, Hamels keep on winning together

That July 31 trade for Cole Hamels last year might just be working out for the Texas Rangers.

They have won each of his past 12 starts, and Hamels has won his past nine decisions for the longest winning streak of his career. He will go for 10 straight Thursday as the Rangers play host to Baltimore to open a seven-game homestand.

Hamels hasn’t just been getting by, either, with a 3.04 ERA during the stretch that dates to Aug. 17. He allowed three runs in 13 innings over his first two starts this season, and didn’t allow a run past the second inning.

While acknowledging that he is better equipped this season as the result of throwing all of his pitches early in spring training, he also knows that he can’t win without a lot of support behind him.

“Having the confidence in the offense and defense and sticking to the plan of attack that I have, really it just comes down to is executing pitches,” Hamels said. “All I really try to strive for is consistency. I’ve got a great defense and knowing that the offense is going to put up runs, it’s a great feeling to have.”

The Rangers’ defense has been solid and at times spectacular early on this season, as evidenced Tuesday night by two great plays by right fielder Nomar Mazara and another nifty play by third baseman Adrian Beltre.

The Rangers entered Wednesday as the majors’ leader in defensive runs saved (eight), out-of-zone plays made (40) and double plays (13).

“The infield defense has been solid for us pretty much from the start,” manager Jeff Banister said.

Darvish plans

Three players from Double A Frisco were summoned Wednesday to Globe Life Park to participate in Yu Darvish’s first session of live batting practice in his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

The right-hander faced infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa and outfielder Joe Jackson, and Kellin Deglan caught a full-blown pregame warm-up and two 15-pitch innings. Pitching coach Doug Brocail wasn’t there, but video was quickly sent to him at Safeco Field.

“It looked really good,” Brocail said. “Pretty effortless.”

Darvish will throw live BP twice more before going out on a rehab assignment, which Brocail said will begin either April 27 or 28. Brocail said that Darvish might not need six rehab starts depending on how he feels.

Brocail has some concern that the Rangers are being too cautious with Darvish.

“He’s past 12 months, so you always wonder if you’re holding the guy back,” Brocail said. “Hopefully, there will be a conversation if we need to go a little bit further next time.”

Klein optioned

Long man Phil Klein was sent to Triple A Round Rock before the series finale against the Seattle Mariners, and he can blame the starting rotation for his demotion.

The Rangers haven’t had a need for multiple innings from a reliever because starters have been getting to at least the sixth inning and have left with the Rangers either leading or within striking distance.

Klein made two perfect appearances, including two innings Tuesday to close out an 8-0 win. The Rangers had no fault with how he pitched, but concern that he was nearing the point where inactivity would become detrimental.

“The No. 1 thing is that Phil Klein being the lone guy and only three innings in 10 days, we could lose some of that buildup of innings,” Banister said. “[It was] the opportunity to let him go down and stretch back out and still be fresh.”

Left-hander Alex Claudio was recalled from Round Rock. He can log multiple innings and could match up better with left-handed hitters in upcoming opposing lineups.

This story was originally published April 13, 2016 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Rangers, Hamels keep on winning together."