Sore knee knocks Bradley out of Rangers lineup

The Rangers scratched All-Star designated hitter Milton Bradley from the lineup Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Angels because of soreness in his left knee.

Texas also put pitcher Vicente Padilla on the 15-day disabled list with a stiff neck, retroactive to Saturday, and recalled right-hander Wes Littleton from Triple-A Oklahoma.

In addition, the Rangers changed their starting pitcher Wednesday night, but still used someone making his first major league start.

Texas opted to go with rookie reliever Warner Madrigal to start against the AL West-leading Angels in place of Padilla. The Rangers went with Madrigal instead of calling up left-hander Michael Ballard from Double-A Frisco to make his big league debut.

Bradley, the AL leader with a .441 on-base percentage, played the previous two games after leaving Sunday's game at Baltimore because of tendinitis. Rangers manager Ron Washington said Bradley was available to pinch-hit, and the problem wasn't considered serious.

"He said (his knee) was sore, so we don't want to take any chance, especially with the way he's been getting on the bag," Washington said. "I don't think it's going to be a persistent problem. He just needs a break. I think he will be back out there (Thursday)."

Bradley, selected Sunday for his first All-Star game, drew six walks over his last 10 plate appearances the past three games.

Bradley, who tore the ACL in his right knee last September when he was spun to the ground by his own San Diego manager, Bud Black, has made 55 of his 74 starts for the Rangers as the DH. Bradley hasn't played more than two consecutive games in the outfield.

"When you think about the fact he's played as much as he's played, he wasn't even supposed to be ready," Washington said. "If I can get him out there (in the outfield), I will. It's nothing I'll be fretting about if I don't get him out there. ... As long as I can keep his bat in the lineup."

By using Madrigal, who had never started a professional game, the Rangers didn't have to add Ballard to their 40-man roster. Ballard, 8-3 with a 3.97 ERA in 15 starts at Frisco, was still in the Rangers clubhouse Wednesday.

Madrigal, a converted outfielder, was 0-1 with a 16.20 ERA in three relief appearances.

Padilla (10-5, 4.70 ERA), who last pitched Friday at Baltimore, has a neck strain and a bruised thumb. The right-hander has lost his last two starts, allowing 15 earned runs in 8 2-3 innings against Philadelphia and the Orioles.

Padilla is eligible to return for the third game after the All-Star break.

Kevin Millwood, who has been bothered by a sore groin, said he "felt good" after throwing a bullpen session Wednesday. He planned to throw again Thursday and expected his next scheduled start to be pushed back a day to Saturday.

Rookie Luis Mendoza, who didn't make it out of the second inning Monday against the Angels, could start Friday against the Chicago White Sox. Matt Harrison, who threw seven innings to win his major league debut Tuesday night, is scheduled to start Sunday in the Rangers' final game before the All-Star break.