SURPRISE, Ariz. – It's just two times through the starting rotation for the Texas Rangers this spring, but phrases are being thrown around that pitching-starved fans aren't accustomed to hearing.

Pitching coach Mike Maddux said some starters have been "a victim of their own success."

Because the pitch count is low, the starters have been forced back into games for longer stints or to the bullpen just to get their necessary work in.

It's a good problem to have, and not something normally seen with the Rangers. But after two turns, all five projected starters are healthy, and all five have been able to increase their workload and success level from start to start.

"Everybody was a little embarrassed about last year," said Kevin Millwood, who hasn't given up an earned run in his two starts. He said the pitchers are in better shape and more focused. "We're just trying to do what we can to change it."

Vicente Padilla became the final starter to increase his workload Saturday, working four scoreless innings after pitching two and giving up three earned runs in his first start. He was scheduled to throw three innings but worked another because he was so efficient with his pitches.

RON JENKINS / Special to DMN

Kevin Millwood has yet to allow an earned run in his two spring training appearances covering five innings.

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Even the one injury scare the Rangers have had turned out to be minor. Brandon McCarthy worked three innings in a B game Friday after working through stiffness in his right shoulder. McCarthy came through the start healthy, another positive sign.

The progress of the pitching has Maddux feeling good about the rotation possibilities.

"I love it," Maddux said. "Paucity of pitches is what I'm all about. Everyone seems to be on their targets."

Throwing strikes has helped, especially for a pitching unit that issued the fourth-most walks in the American League in 2008 (625).

Padilla walked one in his four innings Saturday and didn't throw 50 pitches. The projected starters have thrown 15 innings in their last starts and have totaled four walks. Not surprisingly, they've given up just four earned runs.

"The guys are getting in a groove, and we're getting ahead of hitters," said left-hander Matt Harrison, who was the first starter to throw three innings. "We're attacking hitters with our fastballs, and we're throwing strikes. That's what we're supposed to do."

Today marks the third trip through the rotation and it begins with Harrison's start against the Chicago Cubs. Maddux said the plan for this round is each starter to pitch three innings, but that could change depending on the number of pitches.

Millwood believes the off-season conditioning instituted has paid dividends for the staff because everyone has been in shape, and that has allowed them to remain healthy.

The start has manager Ron Washington feeling good.

"If we can corral this, we're going to be a better pitching staff," he said.