No pitcher off-limits for Rangers in Game 5
Gallardo, Holland and Perez are available in 'pen for must-win contest
TORONTO -- Rangers manager Jeff Banister said all pitchers are available for today's Game 5 of the American League Division Series against the Blue Jays at 4 p.m. ET (FS1, SNET).
Starters Yovani Gallardo, Derek Holland and Martin Perez will be in the bullpen behind starter Cole Hamels for a winner-take-all game that decides who advances to the AL Championship Series. Game 1 of that series is on Friday, but Banister is not holding anybody back.
"We've got to win today," Banister said. "I imagine it's all hands on deck for the other team as well.":: ALDS: Rangers vs. Blue Jays -- Tune-in info ::
Gallardo is the likely starter for Game 1 of the ALCS, and he hasn't pitched in relief since Game 4 of the 2008 National League Championship Series when he was with the Brewers. But Banister said Gallardo would be used in relief if needed on Wednesday.
Worth noting:
• Banister said he was disappointed that outfielders Leonys Martin and Ryan Rua elected not to go to Arizona to continue working out and playing just in case they were needed in the playoffs. Rua was supposed to play in the Arizona Fall League but has elected not to.
"It's disappointing for young players, for whatever reason, not to go," Banister said. "All that tells me is that there is still work to be done with the mindset and the culture for everyone in the organization. I view this as one of those team aspects: What do you want to do for the team? What can you do for the team? What you have been doing for the team? That part is disappointing."
• Banister pinch-hit Mike Napoli for Josh Hamilton in the seventh inning of Game 4. Banister said it was a strategic move and not related to the health of Hamilton's left knee, which is still not 100 percent healthy.
"We had a situation where we were looking for a spot to get Napoli in the game with runners on base," Banister said. "There was no guarantee we would go through the lineup again and have the same opportunity. We were at a spot where we were trying to inject some offense."
• Even though Mitch Moreland is hitless in the ALDS, Banister said he didn't consider going with Napoli at first base for Game 5. Said Banister, "We are going to go with what has played well for us the bulk of the year. This is a guy we believe in and has helped carry the ballclub for quite a while."