There will be a battle for bragging rights in Texas this afternoon when the Houston Astros host the visiting Texas Rangers at 2:10 p.m. ET.
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Via ESPN:
Alexi Ogando was one of Texas' rising stars in 2011, winning his first seven decisions over 12 starts while compiling a 2.10 ERA. That was a big factor in him being included on the AL's All-Star team before going 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA after the break.
Since his performances waned as the season wore on, Ogando's versatility enabled Texas to move him to the bullpen for the playoffs. The right-hander thrived there, going 2-0 while allowing four earned runs with 15 strikeouts in 13 innings.
The Rangers kept him there in 2012, and he was 2-0 with a 3.27 ERA in 58 games -- one start.
Now, he's back in the rotation after going 2-1 with a 3.55 ERA in seven spring training games -- five starts -- while limiting hitters to a .213 average.
"My command is there," Ogando told the team's official website. "I worked very hard in spring training on the changeup and I think the results showed it paid off. When I wanted to induce a ground ball I used my changeup and the results were good."
He'll make his first start against the Astros after allowing one run with three walks in three innings of relief over two appearances against them.
