Rangers rained out, to play twin bill Thursday

BALTIMORE -- With rain falling on the field and a tarp covering the infield, seven Rangers emerged from the visitors' dugout right around 7 p.m. CT at Camden Yards.

They walked out to left field, lined up, charged toward the infield and went sliding headfirst across the rain-soaked tarp. That has become the Rangers' way of celebrating an official rainout.

"We're kids," said Josh Hamilton, who led the charge. "It's a kids game ... keep it fun."

The Rangers' game with the Orioles on Wednesday night was postponed by rain, which prompted the tarp-slide from Hamilton, Michael Young, Robbie Ross, Brandon Snyder, Yorvit Torrealba and Elvis Andrus. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday.

The first game is scheduled for 3:05 p.m., with Colby Lewis pitching against Wei-Yin Chen. Lewis was supposed to pitch on Wednesday.

"It doesn't matter, you still have a job to do," Lewis said. "If it didn't happen today, you just go do it tomorrow."

Derek Holland is scheduled to pitch the second game against Tommy Hunter for the Orioles. Hunter is expected to be recalled from Triple-A, with Endy Chavez going on the disabled list with a rib cage injury. Hunter will replace Jason Hammel, who has a sore right knee.

The forecast for Thursday in Baltimore is for clear and sunny skies. That's better than in Arlington, where the Rangers are looking at possible thunderstorms for Friday night, when they are scheduled to open a three-game series with the Angels.

For now, the Rangers have to plan again to use a sixth starter on Monday against the Royals rather than bring either Lewis or Holland on three days' rest. Scott Feldman will likely be called upon again for the second time this season.

"We'll do something," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We'll get through tomorrow and make a decision, but it's nice to have Feldman in the wings."

Thursday's doubleheader was scheduled because this is the Rangers' only visit to Baltimore this year.