Mike

Adams

Opponents are batting just 5-for-43 against Adams. Manager Ned Yost says he won’t hesitate to turn to Adams in any situation.

Something for nothing. Adams, who entered 2005 as the Brewers’ closer, had fallen out of favor in Milwaukee, but he can still be an adequate reliever. Expect him to get a look in the middle innings at some point this summer.

With at least two pitchers in Jason Davis and Andrew Brown ahead of him, Adams shouldn’t have much of an opportunity in Cleveland this season. Whether it’s injuries or something else, he doesn’t have the same stuff now that he did a couple of years ago. He’s probably not going to help.

Adams had a 4.91 ERA in 14 2/3 innings for Triple-A Norfolk since being acquired from the Brewers. He’ll probably clear waivers.

This is what the Rangers hoped for when they acquired Adams before this year’s trade deadline. Although Adams has not been as dominant since joining the American League, he remains a premier reliever and a key component of the Rangers’ postseason run.

Adams was struck by a line drive during an exhibition game. The Rangers don’t open their regular season schedule until Friday, so he should be able to make a full recovery in time. The 33-year-old setup man registered a stellar 1.47 ERA and 74/14 K/BB ratio in 73 2/3 innings last year between San Diego and Texas.

Ogando allowed one hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning of work for his first major league save. Joe Nathan was given his second straight day off, but Rangers manager Ron Washington said after the game that his closer job is not in jeopardy.

Mike Adams closed out Thursday’s game and Alexi Ogando got the call on Friday, but Washington insists that Nathan is just getting extra rest after throwing 27 pitches as part of a blown save on Wednesday. “He had a big workload the last time out there, and we decided to give him one more,” said Washington. “He’ll be back in there tomorrow.”

Adams was a couple of weeks behind the other pitchers in Rangers camp when he arrived in Surprise, Arizona due to offseason groin surgery. But he’s caught up quickly and should be 100 percent come Opening Day.

Joe Nathan was given the day off after Wednesday’s blown save, so Adams got his chance in the ninth. He gave up a couple of hits, but he still managed to shut the Mariners down with two runs to spare.