Texas sticks with Martinez for 'crucial' start

Nick Martinez gets Brock Holt to ground out to first, stranding the bases loaded in the 1st inningThe obvious alternative is veteran Kyle Lohse, who has made 10 starts at Triple-A Round Rock and is 3-5 with a 5.06 ERA. He has a 3.46 ERA in his last two starts, but the Rangers are staying with Martinez, who is 0-1 with a 6.86 ERA in four starts.

"It's a combination -- he's here, he's ready, he's done it in the past and he's got the stuff,' Banister said. "Put it all together. He's going to pitch. It's crucial he shows up and gives us a good start."

It's crucial because the starters' struggles go beyond the last road trip.

Rangers starters are 6-6 with a 5.32 ERA in their last 23 games, with…