Ominous forecast forces Rangers-Angels to move up Saturday start time

ARLINGTON, Texas — A forecast of heavy rain prompted the Rangers to move Saturday’s game against the Angels from 7 p.m. Central Daylight Time (5 p.m. PDT) to 11 a.m. CDT, a start time that will be challenging for the Angels because it will feel like a 9 a.m. start to them.

“Oh God, that’s really early,” outfielder Kole Calhoun said. “Day games are killers, and an earlier start is like adding fuel to the fire. You play a night game, and it’s not like you can go back to the hotel and pass out.

“You have to wind down after the game. You don’t get to bed until a little later, then you have an early wake-up call. You don’t get the proper rest. It’s tough, but there’s going to be 18 guys that are doing it.”

The game time will be the earliest for the Angels since a 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (7 a.m. PDT) start for the traditional Patriots Day game in Fenway Park on April 16, 2007. The Angels lost to the Red Sox, 7-2, that day.

The Angels had an 11 a.m. CDT (9 a.m. PDT) start in Minnesota on Sept. 11, 1999, and were no-hit by Twins left-hander Eric Milton. But the Angels were far out of contention, and then-interim Manager Joe Maddon, whose lineup included eight bench players, declined to pinch-hit any regulars.

Manager Mike Scioscia said he will “mix-and-match” players for Saturday’s lineup, but with the game having wild-card implications for the Rangers, many regulars will play. Saturday starter Garrett Richards will be sent back to the team hotel during Friday night’s game to get a normal night’s sleep.

“We understand the rationale behind the switch,” Calhoun said. “These games are important, you definitely want to get them in, and it’s a lot better than playing a doubleheader on Sunday.”

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