ARLINGTON – Rangers right-hander Frank Francisco's official return to the closer's role got off to a shaky start Wednesday.

Francisco, who came off the disabled list June 20 after suffering from right shoulder tendinitis, gave up a game-tying three-run homer to Angels outfielder Juan Rivera in the ninth inning Wednesday.

Manager Ron Washington said earlier in the day that Francisco would resume his role in save situations.

"C.J. [Wilson] will still close games when Frankie is not available, but Frankie is the closer," Washington said.

Francisco, who entered Wednesday's game with 12 saves and a 1.19 ERA this season, can be used on back-to-back days but would not be used three consecutive days. If that situation arises, Washington said Wilson will close.

"I think I'll be all right in that role," Francisco said. "I went back-to-back days, and I actually felt like I could pitch the next day, too. It's nice to be back."

Padilla pushed back: The Rangers said right-hander Vicente Padilla would not start Saturday because of soreness in his right shoulder. Instead, the Rangers will start left-hander Derek Holland.

"It's better to stay back on my next start than to be out for a month or two months," said Padilla, who said he felt it "a little bit" in his last start.

The Rangers rotation shuffles, too, with Scott Feldman scheduled to start Sunday and Kevin Millwood starting Monday. Padilla is expected to start Tuesday in Anaheim.

"[Padilla] will play catch on Friday and throw a bullpen on Saturday," pitching coach Mike Maddux said. "We're going to give him a few days."

Duran now an Astro: The Houston Astros claimed infielder German Duran off waivers Wednesday.

Duran, a Fort Worth resident who played at TCU and Fort Worth Paschal, was exposed to the waiver wire last week to make room on the 40-man roster for right-hander Willie Eyre.

The Rangers hoped to sneak Duran through waivers, but Houston claimed him a few hours before the deadline. He will be placed on the Astros' disabled list while he recovers from an appendectomy.

"I really wanted to stay here," Duran said. "I was a Rangers fan growing up."

Borbon gets first hit: Rookie outfielder Julio Borbon pinch hit for Nelson Cruz, who left with a stiff lower back in the sixth inning. Borbon took advantage by getting his first major league hit, a run-scoring single to center off Angels starter Jered Weaver.

Briefly: Josh Hamilton went 1-for-7 with a single and two strikeouts in his rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. Hamilton, who was the designated hitter, will play the entire game in the outfield today and Friday. He could rejoin the Rangers on Saturday. ... Right-hander Dustin Nippert, who has been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season with right shoulder soreness, pitched Tuesday for Triple-A Oklahoma City. He went five innings, allowing one run on two hits with six strikeouts.