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Aug 4, 2009 - 6:48 AM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Texas (59-45) at Oakland (45-60), 10:05 p.m. EDT

The Texas Rangers want to ease Neftali Feliz into the major leagues by using him in relief. That's how Derek Holland began the season, but he probably isn't headed back to the bullpen any time soon.

After Feliz impressed in his much-anticipated debut, the Rangers hope Holland can build off the best start of his career as they continue a four-game set with the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night.

Texas (59-45) lost the series opener 3-2 on Monday night in heartbreaking fashion, allowing Oakland (45-60) to rally for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Rangers, though, got a good look at one of their top pitching prospects, with Perez striking out four straight batters and retiring all six he faced in relief during his major league debut. Two of Feliz's pitches were clocked at 100 mph.

The 21-year-old Feliz, called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday, will be used as a middle reliever for now.

Holland (4-6, 5.56 ERA), considered Texas' best young pitcher, began the season in the minors and was promoted after one start to make his big-league debut with 2 1-3 scoreless innings of relief at Toronto on April 22.

The 22-year-old left-hander made seven appearances out of the bullpen before getting his first start - at Houston on May 22. He's gone 2-5 with a 5.59 ERA as a starter, but his last outing was a glimpse at why the Rangers are so high on him.

Holland gave up one run and two hits in 8 2-3 innings to earn a win in Texas' 7-1 victory over Seattle on Thursday night. He became the first Rangers rookie left-hander to record 10 strikeouts.

"We got a real good look at what Derek Holland is capable of doing," Texas manager Ron Washington said. "His future gets brighter."

Holland has faced the A's twice in relief, surrendering two runs and five hits in four innings.

He'll be facing an Oakland lineup that has had its share of troubles. Rajai Davis, though, has been a bright spot in recent weeks.

Davis' pinch-hit triple drove in the tying and go-ahead runs Monday as the A's avoided a third straight loss. He is batting .382 (13 for 34) with 16 RBIs in his last 13 games.

Texas, meanwhile, wasn't able to get much going at the plate as it opened a stretch in which it plays 25 of 36 games on the road. The Rangers also may have lost their top power hitter.

Nelson Cruz, who leads Texas with 25 homers, came up limping after the final play of the game and was helped off the field by a trainer. The right fielder's status for Tuesday's game is uncertain.

The Rangers will face A's left-hander Gio Gonzalez (2-2, 7.38), who is unbeaten in five appearances since June 30. He is making his fourth straight start and seventh of the season.

Gonzalez lasted 5 1-3 innings against Boston on Thursday, yielding three runs, five hits and four walks while matching a career high with eight strikeouts as Oakland lost 8-5.

Gonzalez has pitched three perfect innings of relief against the Rangers. This will be his first start against them.