Andrus gets day off, leads in innings played
CHICAGO -- Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus went into Sunday's game having played in 602 2/3 innings. That was the most in the Major Leagues, 5 1/3 innings ahead of D-Backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
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Andrus is going to relinquish that lead because he was out of the lineup on Sunday. His time off comes one day after making two errors in a 3-2 loss to the White Sox on Saturday. But manager Jeff Banister said this was a planned day off. The Rangers are off on Monday, so it's a chance to give Andrus two days off in a row.
The two errors on Saturday gave Andrus 14 for the season, the second most in the American League for a shortstop. His career high is 25 in 2011. But prior to Saturday, Andrus had committed just one error in his previous 21 games.
"It was a bad day at the office," Andrus said. "I feel good defensively. The whole team has been playing good defensively. I feel good. I like to play every day but it is always good to have a day off. Having two days off will help refresh my mind and my body and get me ready for Tuesday."
Said Banister: "Elvis is as focused and energetic as any player on the field. One game doesn't define the guy."
Worth noting:
• Rangers pitcher Martin Perez, on the disabled list while recovering from Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery, will make his second start on medical rehab assignment for Double-A Frisco against Midland on Monday. He is down for three innings and approximately 45 pitches. It will be his first time in a game since June 10, as he has been dealing with tightness in his left groin muscle.
• Matt Harrison, also on medical rehab assignment, is scheduled to make his fifth start for Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday.
• The Rangers entered Sunday having gone three straight games without an extra-base hit. That's their longest such streak since 1997.
• Outfielder Jake Smolinski has been claimed off waivers by the Athletics and optioned to Triple-A Sacamento. He was hitting .133 for the Rangers before being designated for assignment on Friday.