Athletics-Rangers preview

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers could use a Ryan Dull-like impact from newly acquired Lucas Harrell Tuesday when the Rangers face Oakland.

Dull is the Oakland right-hander who has come out of nowhere to become one of the best relievers in the American League this year.

Harrell isn't in the bullpen, but Texas needs Harrell (1-0) to pitch like the guy who came out of nowhere after playing in Korea last year to become a commodity Atlanta was able to deal to Texas last month.

So far, the results haven't been good as Harrell has a 5.74 ERA in his three starts with Texas and is coming off a start in which he allowed six runs in six innings of work. Harrell has pitched just 15 2/3 innings in his three starts and knows he's got to get things going Tuesday against Oakland.

Texas has two starters on the mend in Colby Lewis and Derek Holland so it's imperative the turnaround for Harrell starts soon.

"There's no pressure on me," Harrell said. "When you've got a team this good, you just go out there and keep the game close. I've never really felt like I've put pressure on myself or anything. I know what I can do and if I go out there and execute everything will take care of itself."

Harrell spent part of his time in his Sunday bullpen session working on his mechanics with pitching coach Doug Brocail. The focus was staying back with his hips through his delivery. Harrell said when he doesn't do that, the ball comes out of his hand flat. That could one of the reasons he's allowed 18 hits in his time with Texas.

Dull hasn't had any issues with his mechanics or anything else this season with the Athletics. After posting a 4.24 ERA in his 17 innings of work last year with Oakland, he's exceeded all expectations in his rookie year.

In 54 appearances, Dull has a 2.15 ERA in 58 2/3 innings of work and 58 strikeouts. He's been even better as the season has gone on, as he's allowed just five earned runs in his last 35 1/3 innings of work and opponents are hitting just .138 against in his last 35 games.

Dull may be a victim of his own success though. He pitched just 78 innings last year, which was a career high. As he gets close to that number this year, the A's may opt to dial his innings back to keep the 26-year-old healthy.

With the A's 1 1/2 games behind the Rangers after Monday's 5-2 loss, that's certainly a consideration.

"It's tough not to use him in certain situations, but I'm probably going to stay away from him, not to tip my hand here, but games that we're behind in," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's gotten a little bit of a break here recently with a couple of days off, but I know at one point I think he was second in the league in appearances, but maybe down to fifth or sixth right now (sixth). I think there has been a significant workload."