ARLINGTON -- Rangers right-hander Nick Martinez was outstanding on Saturday night, holding the Royals to one run on seven innings in a 2-1 win at Globe Life Park.
The Rangers still aren't sure if Martinez will get another start immediately.
Martinez was filling in for A.J. Griffin who is on the disabled list with gout in his left ankle. Griffin is eligible to come off the DL on Friday.
That's when that spot in the rotation is due to pitch again and much depends on how Griffin progresses this week. He threw on flat ground on Sunday, but he has yet to throw in the bullpen.
"I believe he's got to throw a bullpen session," manager Jeff Banister said. "We'll see how he responds."
The Rangers have an off-day on Thursday so that gives them another option. They could skip the fifth starter and keep the other four pitching on their regular turn. In that scenario, they wouldn't need Griffin or Martinez until May 2 against the Astros. But Banister said the club would prefer giving all of its starters an extra day of rest.
"We haven't done that all year," Banister said. "We went four-man early to get them in rhythm. We'd like to use this off-day to give them extra rest."
Dyson headed for rehab assignment
Reliever Sam Dyson, who is on the disabled list with a contusion on his right hand, is scheduled to pitch for Triple-A Round Rock on a medical rehabilitation assignment.
The plan is for Dyson to pitch one inning on Monday and Tuesday, and then be re-evaluated. The earliest he would be activated is on Friday if all goes well.
Rangers beat
• Catcher Steve Lerud, who was in Rangers camp on a Minor League contract, has been hired as a coaching assistant. He will help out at home games and at Double-A Frisco while preparing for his post-career future in the game.
• Catcher Brett Nicholas, who had surgery on his left knee in Spring Training, will begin his medical rehabilitation assignment at Round Rock on Monday.
• With Mike Napoli out of the lineup on Sunday, third baseman Joey Gallo, second baseman Rougned Odor and outfielder Nomar Mazara are the only ones who have started 19 straight games. Banister said they may be due for a day off during the Twins series. All three are left-handed hitters so Wednesday may be the day with left-hander Hector Santiago pitching for the Twins.