Rangers notes: Pitching staff will operate with little margin for error for next few weeks

(AP photo/Michael Ainsworth)

ARLINGTON — Glenn Otto’s return to the Rangers’ rotation after a bout with COVID-19 wasn’t very good.

The right-hander allowed six runs Sunday in only two innings, and the Rangers weren’t very competitive until a three-run ninth a 6-4 loss to the Nationals.

Jonah Heim hit a two-run homer in the ninth after Nate Lowe had driven in Kole Calhoun, who opened the inning with a double. But Tanner Rainey entered to retire three of the next four batters.

The Rangers dropped two of the three games in the series to finish with homestand with a 3-2 record, which isn’t as good as it seems after sweeping two from the then-hot Phillies. The Nationals aren’t very good, and the Rangers let yet other opportunity slip away against a sub-.500 team.

Another awaits Monday to open a nine-game road trip. The Rangers are headed to Kansas City and will throw their three best starters —Martin Perez, Jon Gray and Dane Dunning.

Things get a little dicey after that.