Worth noting

• The breakthrough season of lefty reliever Neal Cotts last year won't alter the Rangers decision on whether to move fellow southpaw Robbie Ross into the starting rotation. Ross is currently a candidate for the No. 5 starter role.

"We're not letting Robbie start because of the emergence of Cotts," Washington said. "We need starting pitching, and Robbie has started before in the Minor Leagues and done well. We're trying to use as much of our inventory as we possibly can."

• Left-hander Matt Harrison, who dealt with back issues early in camp, hasn't had any problems physically since he resumed his throwing program on Thursday.

• This spring, Washington has made a point to address his club's situational hitting -- specifically against the reigning NL West champion A's.

"I guess when you don't get it done, you have to say [the A's] got it done," Washington said. "That's the way it works. We had many opportunities, and we just didn't execute."

• Battling for a starting role this season, Michael Kirkman tossed two scoreless frames and struck out a pair in relief of Perez. He also allowed two hits, but managed to work out of a second-and-third jam in the bottom of the fourth.

"He could give us some depth," Washington said. "If he certainly gets to the point where he gets consistent, he has a good arm, and he's got good stuff. There's no doubt about that, and today was just an example of what he's capable of doing."