Texas Rangers reliever Wright shows progress

It was just one outing, but for Rangers reliever Jamey Wright, Monday night’s perfect seventh inning could be just what he needs.

"It was a step in the right direction," Wright said. "I talked to Wash [manager Ron Washington] and told him I’m going to be there for him the last two months and told me not to lose confidence in me. He said, 'No way.’ "

Wright’s approach Monday was different because he came on to start an inning. During a stretch in which he allowed 15 earned runs in 15 innings, Wright struggled while entering games with runners on base.

He said he was rushing to the plate and flying open, which led to a lot of flat pitches and location problems. Opponents took advantage as Wright’s ERA went from 3.60 to 4.87 entering Tuesday’s game.

Monday night might have changed that.

"Even when I came in for the first hitter [Johnny Damon], there were still doubts," said Wright, who pitched 2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday. "After that, it was about staying back, being aggressive and going right after the ball. I always try to be aggressive."

— Anthony Andro