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Gagne to make return for Rangers in opener vs. Mariners

Apr 13, 2007 - 4:06 PM Texas (4-5) at Seattle (3-2) 10:05 pm EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Eric Gagne could make his season debut for the Texas Rangers in the opener of a three-game series against the Seattle Mariners on Friday.

From 2002-04 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Gagne racked up 152 save, including a record 84 straight en route to capturing the 2003 National League Cy Young Award.

But elbow problems derailed Gagne, who has appeared in 16 games the last seasons. In the offseason, Gagne signed a one-year, $6 million.

Rangers manager Ron Washington intends to have Gagne pitch.

"If we have the lead in the ninth (inning), or if we're behind in the eighth," he said. "My intention is to try and get him in on Friday. And I hope it's a save situation."

If Gagne hopes to get a save opportunity, Texas starter Kevin Millwood (1-1, 4.91 ERA) will have to make sure he handles his business on the mound.

Millwood allowed three runs in six innings for his first win of the season Saturday, an 8-4 triumph over Boston. The righthander is 5-3 with a 3.65 ERA in nine lifetime starts vs. Seattle.

Jarrod Washburn (0-0, 3.00) takes the ball for the Mariners. Washburn was solid in his first start against Oakland on April 3, allowing just two runs and three hits in six innings while not factoring in the decision.

The lefthander has posted a 7-6 record with a 4.12 ERA for his career against Texas.