He went 4 2/3 innings in an 8-2 loss and allowed four runs on seven hits. He struck out four and walked two over 88 pitches. The Rangers are expected to add another pitcher Tuesday in the corresponding roster move. 

Lindblom (0-1) struggled as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits and two walks over just 4 2/3 innings. He struck out four and was hurt by a Seth Smith solo homer in the second inning. He threw 88 pitches and his ERA is 7.71. 

Lindblom was just called up from Triple-A Round Rock and is expected to get another start Sunday at Seattle. 

You also have a 25-year-old who has yet to start a game in the majors and who seemed destined to spend his entire career in middle relief just last year.

But if his numbers in the heavy-hitting Pacific Coast League this year count for anything, a return to the starting rotation has made him an even better pitcher. In 43 1/3 innings, he has a 2.08 ERA and 0.88 WHIP, allowing just 5.6 hits per nine innings.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels recently pointed out that Lindblom has three plus pitches and is working on a fourth. A varied arsenal usually plays up better in a starting role than a relief role, so Lindblom strikes me as one of those pitchers who will fare better when stretched out. If I had a roster spot to play with, I might just take a flier on him.

Lindblom has had success at Round Rock after being converted from a reliever to a starter. He is 4-0 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.88 WHIP in eight outings (seven starts). He has struck out 33 in 43 1/3 innings.