Worth noting

• Nelson Cruz remained in the third spot of the lineup on Thursday. He went 3-for-5 with two RBIs in Wednesday's win.

"I'm sorry that I never thought about doing that before," Washington said. "I always think about him protecting [Adrian] Beltre, but Nelson's been a third hitter in his career, a fourth hitter in his career. But for some reason, I got locked in with him protecting Beltre."

• Washington said Mitch Moreland will likely start in the bottom of the lineup when he returns from the disabled list on Friday. Moreland could be an option for the Rangers at the fifth spot down the road.

• A.J. Pierzynski and Berkman were given the day off on Thursday with a day game following a night game. Geovany Soto started at catcher and Robinson Chirinos started at first base. Ian Kinsler was the designated hitter, with Jurickson Profar at second.