A's Josh Phegley steps up at the plate but it's not enough to beat Rangers

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The rumor on the street is Rangers' rookie pitcher Joe Palumbo's fastball has a high spin rate. Not that the information specifically matters, but someone had to mention it as the 24-year-old made his major league debut against the A's on Saturday.

In what would ultimately end in a 10-5 loss for the Green and Gold, Josh Phegley was Oakland's one bright spot during the first of two games at Globe Life Park in Arlington.

Starting catcher Nick Hundley left the game early due to back spasms, and that's when Phegley stepped up to the plate -- pun somewhat intended. He smacked a two-run double on the first pitch he faced in the fourth inning, and crushed his eighth homer of the season off the left-field pole in the top of the seventh. Through it all, he remained in the game as the catcher.

The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser reported Phegley mentioned he was supposed to have the day off. We know that didn't happen, but his next plan is to take a much-needed nap before the second outing of the day. 

A's PR announced Hundley will now head to the 10-day injured list, and catcher Beau Taylor was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

[RELATED: A's not dependent on homers to defeat Angels]

Taylor played in seven games for the A's last season, finishing with one hit in five at-bats. With Vegas this season, he boasts a .297 average with five home runs and 20 RBI.

It appears Taylor is being used as a "just in case" scenario should another injury occur. 

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