Season series: Rangers lead, 2-1

LHP Greg Smith (2-1, 2.54 ERA): Though he didn't throw hard, Smith fooled the Rangers last Sunday in Oakland. He allowed three hits and a run in six innings while striking out 10. He has not allowed more than three runs in any of his six starts this season. Lefties are batting .162 against him; right-handers .212. He ranks eighth in the AL in opponents' on-base percentage (.272).

Update: DH Mike Sweeney has been reborn in his first year in Oakland. The oft-injured slugger was batting .305 entering Thursday. His .355 average and 1.002 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in Arlington is his best at 15 stadiums in which he's had at least 50 at-bats.

RHP Scott Feldman (0-1, 5.40 ERA): Feldman's two major league starts have been quality starts. On Sunday, he took a 1-0 lead to the seventh against Oakland, but a ball that was lost in the sun-turned-double and a two-run homer beat him. The Rangers believe his new delivery, which makes his fastball cut in on lefties, makes him more formidable against them. They have a .400 OBP against Feldman, however.

Loves to face: Mark Ellis (1-for-6)

Hates to face: Frank Thomas (4-for-8)

Update: Josh Hamilton has fallen into a slump against left-handed pitchers. His batting average against them has fallen to .257 with an 0-for-13 stretch since April 24. Last year, he batted .314 against right-handers and .222 vs. lefties.

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