Saunders, Hanson face White Sox

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Left-hander Joe Saunders and right-hander Tommy Hanson, both competing for a spot in the rotation, will be on the mound Tuesday when the Rangers face the White Sox in Glendale.

They aren't the only candidates competing for a spot at the back end of the rotation but they are two veteran pitchers acquired over the past four weeks so it gives the game an aura of head-to-head competition.

"I just view it as I have to go out and pitch well," said Hanson, who was signed as a free agent just before the start of Spring Training. "I'm not viewing it any other way."

Hanson's last outing was against the White Sox last Wednesday when he allowed two runs on five hits in three innings. He walked none and struck out three. Saunders, who signed with the Rangers last Wednesday, will be pitching in a Cactus League game for the first time. He had two scoreless innings in a B game last Friday.

"You always want to give a good impression," Saunders said. "They signed me, my job is to go out and perform and do my job to the best of my ability."