Davis' three-run homer leads Indians over Rangers 3-1

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Rajai Davis hit his first homer this spring, a three-run drive that sent the Cleveland Indians over the Texas Rangers 3-1 Saturday.

The Indians finished exhibition play with six straight full-squad wins.

Davis pulled a first-pitch knuckle curve by Derek Holland in the third inning over the left-field wall after Juan Uribe walk and Collin Cowgill singled.

Cleveland starter Danny Salazar allowed one run and six hits in five innings. He struck out five, including his last four batters.

''I'm very excited, not because I am the No. 3 starter but because I am in the rotation,'' Salazar said. ''I earned my spot. I can't wait for the season to start.''

Indians manager Terry Francona said Salazar's performance followed the mantra of pitching coach Mickey Callaway to keep pushing throughout a start.

''It was a good, good way to end,'' Francona said. ''All of our starters have come through their last start feeling pretty good about themselves.''

Mitch Moreland singled down the right-field line to score Ian Desmond following a pair of two-out walks in the first inning with Texas' run.

Holland gave up four hits, walked one and struck out one in three innings.

Last April, Holland injured his shoulder one inning into the Rangers' home opener and was lost until four months. He said staying healthy was his main spring goal.

''One pitch got away from me, and I'm not too worried about it,'' he said of Davis' homer.

TAKING FIFTH ON FIFTH STARTER

The AL West champion Rangers haven't announced RHP A.J. Griffin as the fifth starter, but general manager Jon Daniels said ''you can read between the lines. We're holding off making it official in case something unforeseen happens.''

Cole Hamels, Martin Perez and Colby Lewis are scheduled to go in the opening series at home against the Mariners with Holland opening the weekend road series against the Angels.

The Rangers added RHP Phil Klein to complete the opening day roster as a long man in the bullpen. LHP Cesar Ramos accepted an assignment to Triple-A Round Rock.

BRANTLEY UPDATE

Indians OF Michael Brantley, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, said he was excited by his Saturday session in a batting cage.

''It went really well,'' he said. ''Good progress. See how I respond tomorrow.''

BELTRE'S STATUS

Rangers 3B Adrian Beltre is going into the final year of his contract and has said he doesn't want negotiations to go on during the season. Daniels said he expects to communicate with Beltre's agent, Scott Boras, during the weekend.

''Whether we get something done now or whether it's later, nothing has changed how we feel about Adrian,'' Daniels said. ''We could not have a higher opinion or appreciation of him on and off the field.''

TRAINER'S ROOM

Rangers: While neither OF Josh Hamilton (knee) or RHP Yu Darvish (Tommy John) will be ready for opening day, Daniels said neither will be placed on the 60-day disabled list.

UP NEXT

Indians: Corey Kluber is scheduled to start the opener at home against the Red Sox on Monday. Kluber (9-16, 3.49 ERA) had the sixth-worst run support among AL starters last season.

Rangers: Hamels will be Texas' eighth different opening day starter in eight seasons. He said Saturday that he's fighting a cold and allergies.