Rangers plan to stay in rotation for stretch

SEATTLE -- The Rangers added an extra rotation option when they called up Nick Martinez from Triple-A Round Rock on Monday. But manager Jeff Banister said the Rangers are planning to stay in rotation right now and Martinez will be used in relief.

That means Yovani Gallardo, Cole Hamels, Martin Perez and Derek Holland are pitching the four-game series against the Mariners and Colby Lewis opening the weekend series against the Athletics on Friday.

Lewis allowed seven runs in five innings in a 7-0 loss to the Angels on Sunday and is 0-3 with an 8.62 ERA in his last three starts. But Banister said the Rangers, as of now, aren't planning to skip or push Lewis back to give him extra rest.

"Yesterday was the first time Colby didn't have at least one plus pitch," Banister said. "In his own words, he didn't have a very good day. There is going to be no reaction or panic in us based on one outing. We'll continue to evaluate each starter and where they are, how many pitches they have thrown, what they look like at this point."

If the Rangers stay in rotation, it means Hamels will not pitch in the four-game series against the Astros that starts on Monday in Arlington. He would also miss the three-game series against the Astros in Houston Sept. 25-27.

"Obviously, we have looked at some options, but right now we're looking at the rotation that gives us the best options with the games right in front of us," Banister said. "We have to win the games in front of us. If you mess around…"

Martinez is 7-7 with a 4.09 ERA in 21 starts for the Rangers and 1-1 with a 2.90 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Round Rock. But right now, he is one of 11 relievers in their bullpen.

"Anyway I can help, I will be glad to do it," Martinez said. "I know I can start and I can relieve, however the team needs me."

Worth noting:

• Reliever Keone Kela, who missed three games against the Angels with a sore right elbow, was back with Rangers on Monday. Banister said Kela still has to clear a throwing protocol before he can be used out of the bullpen, but that should be in the next day or two.

• Delino DeShields was back in the lineup on Monday after missing Sunday's game with some soreness in his left ribcage.

• Infielder Jurickson Profar, who has missed two seasons because of a torn muscle in his right shoulder, will play his third game for Double-A Frisco on Monday. It will be his 12th game overall, including nine at Class A Hickory. Monday is Frisco's last game, so Profar could either join the Rangers as a pinch-hitter or continue playing at Round Rock during the PCL playoffs.