Neo Workxx » ween the clubs.Its necessary for us to regain some momentu

The Texas Rangers are looking forward to a few days off with the All-Star break looming. Theyve been scuffling some and are battling injuries, especially to their pitching staff, so the Midsummer Classic couldnt come at a better time.But before the American League West leaders can kick their heels up, the Minnesota Twins are coming to town for four games. The series opener is Thursday night at Globe Life Park in Arlington.These are the only four home game for the Rangers (53-33) in a span of 23 games overall. Texas just came off a 4-6 road trip that ended with Wednesday nights 11-6 loss at Boston and heads out on a nine-game trip after the break.The Rangers committed three errors in the second inning Wednesday, allowing the Red Sox to break the game open.Not the way we wanted to end the road trip, Rangers manager Jeff Banister said, but it will be nice to get back home, get to Arlington, show up tomorrow, and hopefully put together four quality baseball games before the break and allow these guys to have some time off their feet.Texas is 28-12 at home and 12-0-1 in its last 13 home series. The Rangers still own a (7.5 or 6.5-game) division lead over Houston.Minnesota (29-55) won two out of three against the Rangers last weekend at Target Field to snap Texas streak of 13 straight series victories. The Twins have also claimed five of the last seven between the clubs.Its necessary for us to regain some momentum, Banister said. Obviously its nice to be able to try to do it in our ballpark.We didnt play so well against Minnesota. Weve got to play better against that ballclub. They look to be playing a little bit better right now. Its nice that we saw them recently, so we know what to expect.Minnesota is coming off Wednesday afternoons 4-0 home shutout of Oakland, and have won four of their last five. The Twins technically beat the As twice Wednesday, as Tuesday nights 11-4 victory ended after 1 a.m. due to a long rain delay.Getting back on the field about 11 hours later and winning again wasnt lost on manager Paul Molitor.It was one of those games where youre challenged as a professional to be out there and give it your best effort even when your body is telling its being pushed a little bit, he told MLB.com. So to win two games in situations were not usually accustomed to was a good sign. We had a good homestand and had a chance to win all six games.The Twins are 12-9 against the AL West, compared to 11-39 against the rest of the AL this season.Minnesota sends right-hander Tyler Duffey (4-6, 5.62 ERA) to the mound for the series opener. The right-hander leads the team in wins and beat Texas on Saturday after allowing four runs on eight hits with two strikeouts and no walks over 6.0 innings.Duffey was backed by plenty of offense in the 17-5 victory. Texas righty Chi Chi Gonzalez (0-1, 9.53) was on the losing end of that one and didnt get out of the first inning.The Rangers defense didnt do Gonzalez any favors, failing to make several plays that could have resulted in outs and ended the inning much sooner.Texas starters have taxed the bullpen lately with short outings. Gonzalez going deep into the game would be a big help.Minnesota, making its only trip of the season to the Lone Star State, should get back shortstop Eduardo Escobar during the series. He ran sprints before Wednesdays game at Oakland to test his strained left hamstring.Hes doing better, Molitor told MLB.com. When he got hurt, everyone thought going on the DL would be too long.Escobar was injured running the bases Saturday, but didnt go on the disabled list.Texas made a roster move Wednesday by recalling outfielder Jared Hoying for insurance reasons with Shin-Soo Choo dealing lower back stiffness. Nomar Mazara started in right field in place of Choo against the Red Sox. Matt Szczur Jersey .J. -- Marty Brodeur beat the Pittsburgh Penguins yet again. Wil Myers Jersey . U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield in Manhattan agreed that lawyers on both sides could make their formal requests by Nov. 8. A hearing is scheduled for a day earlier. Jordan Siev, a lawyer for Rodriguez, wrote in a joint letter to the judge from lawyers on both sides that MLB lawyers planned to ask that the lawsuit be dismissed. http://www.padresrookiestore.com/Padres-Jose-Pirela-Kids-Jersey/ . LOUIS -- Lance Lynn was one of the more enthusiastic participants as the St. Trevor Hoffman Jersey . A statement from the worlds top-ranked player says all checks "were satisfactory and showed positive evolution" regarding the injury, which contributed to his loss to Stanislas Wawrinka in the final in Melbourne. Craig Stammen Jersey . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. Australias Scott Hend will take a one-shot lead over Swedens Alex Noren into the final round of the Omega European Masters after the pair experienced contrasting fortunes in Crans-sur-Sierre, Switzerland.Hend cruised three shots clear of the chasing pack with five birdies in the first 10 holes, but saw his lead reduced when playing partner Noren holed from 50 feet for birdie on the 17th.The 2009 champion then enjoyed two huge slices of luck on the last when his wayward drive hit a spectator and stayed out of the trees, from where his mis-hit approach bounced over the water short of the green and onto the putting surface.In contrast, Hends drive finished on a cart path to the right of the fairway and the 43-year-old went on to make his only bogey of the day to card a 65 and finish 13 uunder par.ddddddddddddWe had perfect conditions for scoring today so if youre not going forward youre going to be lapped by the rest of the field, Hend told Sky Sports. I cant complain; I left a few shots out there but made up for that by making some great par saves.I thought it was a bit unfortunate (on the 18th) to bounce down the cart path between the bunkers. If I was in the bunker I could have just dumped it in the middle of the green and made par.I was a bit worried about hitting the tree in front of me and then hitting it in the water so thought You know what, if you make a five so be it, just dont really mess it up and put a big number on the card. ' ' '