Texas Rangers Team Report - May 3

(Sports Network) - Trying to dig out of the basement in the American League West, the hard-hitting Texas Rangers play the second of a three-game set at Jacobs Field this afternoon against the Cleveland Indians.

Alex Rodriguez homered on Friday night but the club was still left with a 6-5 loss in the opener.

Francisco Cordero suffered the loss after allowing two runs on one walk and one hit in only one-third of an inning.

Making it to the hill for the first time this season is 31-year old Todd Van Poppel. The righthander has been on the disabled list since before the start of the season.

Van Poppel has been primarily a relief pitcher the last three seasons with the Rangers and the Chicago Cubs, making only two starts over that span. In 2002 he had a record of 3-2 with a 5.45 ERA and was credited with one save for the Rangers.

Over the course of his nine-year career Van Poppel has posted a 0-1 record and a 2.49 ERA against the Indians.

The Rangers lead the majors in home runs after 29 games with 55, thanks to a trio of players who have already gone for double figures at this point in the season; Juan Gonzalez (11), Carl Everett (10) and Rodriguez (10). Just two home runs shy of the magical 500 mark, Rafael Palmeiro has accounted for eight in 2003 as well.

05/03 11:00:30 ET