Rangers keeping tabs on bullpen's workload

KANSAS CITY -- As the Rangers enter the final 10-game stretch in the regular season, manager Ron Washington is going to rely on his best relievers to get them into the playoffs. But he knows that Joe Nathan, Neal Cotts and Tanner Scheppers can't pitch every game.

Nathan and Scheppers had pitched in three straight games heading into Friday night's series opener against the Royals. Both were expected to be available on Friday.

"Neftali [Feliz] is going to have to get some outs, [Nick] Tepesch is going to have to get some outs and [Ross] Wolf is going to have to get some outs," Washington said.

Scheppers and Soria are still the primary backup closers if Nathan is not available. Washington made it clear Feliz is not yet ready for that role. He was just activated at the beginning of the month after missing a year because of Tommy John surgery. Feliz has not allowed a run in just five appearances.