ARLINGTON -- Rangers manager Jeff Banister has noticed one significant improvement in pitcher Yovani Gallardo since he was called up on June 17 from Triple-A Round Rock.
"Tempo is faster," Banister said.
That may be the result of Gallardo having to deal with a pitch clock during his 10 starts for Round Rock. In the Minor Leagues, pitchers have 15 seconds to throw the ball with no runners on, and 20 seconds if someone is on base.
"You have to be aware of it," Gallardo said. "Going down there, it was one of those things that helped me not overthink situations. Just grab the ball and go. I know what I'm trying to do. If I get the ball and go, I'm not going to give the hitter time to think about certain situations or what might be coming next. That helped me and the guys playing behind me, keeps them on their toes."

Gallardo starts again at 1:05 p.m. CT today against the Mariners at Globe Life Park in a special Facebook game. Fans can find the game at www.facebook.com/MLBLiveGames or search for MLB Live on their mobile Facebook app. It will not be broadcast on Fox Sports Southwest or any other television outlet.
Today's game, part of a 25-game Facebook package announced in March by Major League Baseball, is his next step.
How to watch on mobile and desktop
Desktop

1. Search for "MLB Live" on Facebook.
   
2. Follow the "MLB Live" show page.
   Mobile
   
3. Download the Facebook video app on your TV or streaming device and search for "MLB Live."
   
4. Or stream the game from your phone to a TV on the same WiFi network by tapping the TV icon.
   Gallardo is starting to enjoy a resurgence for the Rangers. He is 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA in his past three starts, and 6-1 with a 5.24 ERA in eight starts since being called up.
   Today's game will be the next step in Gallardo's comeback. He opened the season in the Reds' bullpen but was designated for assignment after three games. The Reds tried to outright Gallardo to Triple-A, but he refused assignment and became a free agent.
   The Rangers signed him to a Minor League contract, and his tenure in Round Rock was beneficial beyond the pitch count. He spent time with Round Rock pitching coach Brian Shouse working on his mechanics, and that has continued with Doug Brocail and Dan Warthen at the Major League level.
   "[I am] just trying to be more consistent staying through the ball rather than coming around it … yanking everything away from a right-handed hitter," Gallardo explained. "Really focusing on getting that good extension and being able to command that outer part against a right-handed hitter. Throughout my career I was able to do that consistently and slowly it trickled away from me for whatever reason."
   Gallardo was once the ace of the Brewers' staff, an All-Star pitcher and a 13-game winner for the Rangers when they won the American League West in 2015. The past two years didn't go as well as he expected. The righty was 11-18 with a 5.57 ERA combined with the Orioles in 2016 and the Mariners in '17.
   "Obviously disappointing for myself," Gallardo said. "Definitely tough [that] things didn't go the way I wanted them to. But nothing you can do about it now other than make the adjustments and correct the things you need to work on. Obviously, I didn't throw the ball the way I wanted to the past few years.
   "I feel good. I feel the best I've felt in a few years, to be honest, being more consistent with my velocity and stuff. I've made the adjustments I've needed just to go out and compete wherever I'm at and win ballgames with whatever team I'm with."