Pierzynski gets first rest

ARLINGTON -- For the first time in six games this season, A.J. Pierzynski was not behind the plate as the Rangers' catcher, a role that went to backup Geovany Soto instead.

Manager Ron Washington said it was time to give the 36-year-old Pierzynski a rest, though Pierzynski hits left-handed and the Rangers were facing righty Jered Weaver. Pierzynski also caught Sunday night starter Yu Darvish's almost-perfect game on Tuesday.

"He caught everybody, caught every game up to this point, and yesterday was a lot of pitches," Washington said.

Soto, though, caught nearly all of Darvish's starts after arriving from the Cubs in a trade-deadline deal. Darvish compiled a 2.35 ERA and a 5-1 record over his final eight starts, all with Soto catching.

That battery could be less common this season.

"A.J. is the starting catcher," Washington said. "When Soto plays, I'll let him know. He's going to play, but you'll see A.J. get most of the time."