Season series: Rangers lead, 2-1

RHP Vicente Padilla (10-4, 4.13 ERA): Though he could still be named as a replacement for an injured pitcher, Padilla probably lost his best chance at being selected for the All-Star team when he allowed Philadelphia seven runs in six innings Sunday. Padilla is tied for third in the AL in wins, but there are six pitchers within one win of him. The Philly start pushed his ERA to 28th in the AL among 47 qualifiers.

Loves to face: Jay Payton (2-for-18)

Hates to face: Brian Roberts (6-for-11)

Update: Being rested Wednesday in combination with Thursday's off day should have Frank Francisco ready to get back to work on his perfect game. Francisco has retired 16 consecutive batters over his last five appearances, during which he has six strikeouts.

RHP Jeremy Guthrie (4-7, 3.50 ERA): He has been the Orioles' hard-luck pitcher. He has a losing record despite the attractive ERA because Baltimore hasn't scored much on his behalf. His 3.5 runs of support per game rank 44th in the AL among 47 qualifiers. He was a hard-luck loser in his one start against the Rangers. He allowed three runs in six innings but took a 4-3 loss on July 6, 2007. Guthrie hasn't faced any Ranger more than three times.

Update: The Orioles have been a difficult team to face at home. Their 24-13 home record entering Thursday was fourth best in the AL. Neither their home ERA (4.19, ninth in the AL) nor home on-base-plus-slugging percentage (.785, sixth) are exceptional; they just win.