"No one needs to remind Texas first baseman Jorge Cantu that he hasn't had an RBI since the Rangers traded for him July 29.

"Everybody's talking about it," Cantu said. "Everybody's making such a big deal about it but one of the hardest things in baseball is to drive in a run. I'm just trying to put together some really good at-bats."

The series against Oakland should provide Cantu a chance to get an RBI. On Thursday, Oakland's Dallas Braden started a string of three consecutive left-handed starters. Cantu figures to start all three games.

Batting eighth Thursday, Cantu struck out in the third inning to tie the franchise record for most plate appearances (76) to start a Texas career without an RBI. He has hit just .206 since the trade but hopes the extended playing time gets him ready for the playoffs."