Rangers finalize rotation for Astros series

ARLINGTON — Rangers right-hander A.J. Griffin will start the opener of a three-game series against the second-place Astros on Friday night at Globe Life Park, but manager Jeff Banister has not yet determined how he will align the rotation for the rest of the set.

With an off-day on Thursday, Banister has the option to start Yu Darvish and Cole Hamels on four days’ rest and finish out the series on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. He could also give each pitcher an extra day of rest.

“Kind of leaning toward giving Darvish and Cole the extra day,” Banister said. “So if that’s the case, obviously, Saturday we’ll have to maneuver.”

Banister acknowledged that Darvish responds well to the extra day of rest, and that it may be nice to give Hamels an extra day off after he allowed six runs in 4 1/3 innings to the Mariners in the Rangers’ 8-7, walk-off win, Tuesday.

“We also know that, if we push them back, it moves them to a different slot against different teams,” Banister said.

If the Rangers stay with their rotation, which is expected, left-hander Derek Holland would get the start on Saturday and Darvish would go on Sunday. The Rangers can also activate Colby Lewis from the 60-day disabled list (right lat strain) at any point. Lewis made his second rehab start with Double-A Frisco on Tuesday and threw 60 …

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