Worth noting

• Texas utility man Jeff Baker, who has been nursing a bruised right knee since Tuesday, is still at least one day away from returning to the starting lineup.

Washington had hinted Thursday that the right-handed-hitter would be used to counter Twins southpaw Scott Diamond on Friday, but Washington decided to hold off from reinserting him into the lineup until Saturday.

"He moved around and worked out out there so we'll have him go through BP, and if he says he's ready to pinch-hit I'll get him back in there tomorrow," Washington said.

• Ever since Texas catcher A.J. Pierzynski was traded away from the Twins in 2003 in a deal with San Francisco, he has been welcomed back to Minnesota by jeers from the local fans.

Without fail, Pierzynki received a smattering of boos when he headed to the plate in the first game of the Rangers' four-game series with the Twins on Thursday. Even 10 years after his six-year stint with the team that drafted him, the unfriendly welcome still amuses Pierzynski.

"I just laugh, because we just came from Anaheim, so we were joking earlier that we're on my standing ovation tour around the country right now," Pierzynski said with a slight grin. "I think a lot of people forget I actually did play here once, but it's part of it and I understand. I get a kick out of it and a nice chuckle."