ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers looked like a team in need of an off day in Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.

And they will get that off day Thursday before opening an eight-game road trip Friday in Seattle. In fact, the Rangers in the next eight days will be off on three.

"Ten straight days out of the gate is tough," Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. "You go from not playing every day and playing part of a game in spring training to every day. And in some cases every inning. It is a challenge.

"Having an off day will be beneficial. We'll be able to get some of these guys off their legs."

Not only did the Rangers struggle at the plate Wednesday, mustering only four hits in seven innings against Angels lefty Hector Santiago, but they seemed a step slow on numerous defensive plays. There were bobbles in the outfield, ground balls getting through the infield and a botched pickoff play that turned into a stolen base.

"Coming out of spring training, I said there would be some inconsistency," Banister said. "We're asking hitters to do different things. And also given the experience of some of our young guys. It is still early. We're a work in progress."

Half of the Rangers' six losses thus far have come by at least eight runs.

Banister said he sees hitters going to the plate trying to put in a solid major league at-bat. But the Rangers never had two on base in the same inning Wednesday until the eighth. Both runs came on solo homers by Carlos Corporan and Adam Rosales.

"Guys are grinding out at-bats," said Mitch Moreland, who singled in his only appearance after coming off the bench in the seventh. "As far as effort goes, it is there. As far as results, we'll get better."

Tough debut: Losing pitcher Anthony Ranaudo didn't get through the second inning of his first start with the Rangers. Lack of fastball command was the major issue.

"I let myself and my teammates down," said Ranaudo, who was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock after the game. "The big thing is to learn from this and not let it happen again."

Said Banister: "He fell behind and didn't work the strike zone like I'm sure he wanted to. It is tough when you get behind big league hitters. It comes down to good fastball command. Everything else plays off that."

Notes: Right-handed reliever Kyuji Fujiyama (right groin) will continue his rehab assignment with Round Rock on Friday. Left-hander Sam Freeman cleared waivers and has been assigned to Round Rock.