Season series: Rangers lead, 4-1

RHP Rich Harden (1-0, 0.82 ERA): Harden will be reinstated from the disabled list today for his third start of the season. He has been out since April 3 with a strained right shoulder. Because of numerous injuries, he's been limited to 18 games (15 starts) the last three seasons. He is 6-2 with a 3.24 ERA in those games. He was 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA against the Rangers in two 2006 starts.

Loves to face: Gerald Laird (0-for-6)

Hates to face: Michael Young (8-for-28, HR, 4 BB)

Update: Oakland began Saturday with a 3.38 starting rotation ERA, second in the majors to Atlanta (3.25). Oakland starters allowed two or fewer runs in 21 of their first 37 games.

RHP Sidney Ponson (2-0, 1.33 ERA): The 31-year-old has allowed one earned run in each of his three starts, going at least seven innings in both of his last two. He pitched seven innings at Seattle on Tuesday. Ponson is 3-3 against Oakland with a 6.58 ERA. He hasn't faced the A's, however, since Aug. 24, 2004.

Hates to face I: Mike Sweeney (17-for-36, 4 HR)

Hates to face II: Frank Thomas (9-for-24)

Update: It's likely Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be behind the plate for today's game since it follows a night game. In his seven starts since being recalled, Rangers pitchers have a 2.86 ERA.