(Sports Network) - Josh Outman makes his first major league start this afternoon when the Oakland Athletics continue their four-game series with the Texas Rangers at McAfee Coliseum.

Outman, acquired from Philadelphia as part of the Joe Blanton deal, has made two relief appearances for the A's, surrendering three runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings.

The left-hander, who will be celebrating his 24th birthday on Sunday, will be opposed by righty Scott Feldman, who will be pitching in place of Brandon McCarthy.

McCarthy has been pushed back until Tuesday to give him some extra rest.

Feldman, meanwhile, is 5-6 with a 5.05 ERA. He hasn't pitched since August 30, though.

In eight games (three starts) against the A's Feldman is 1-1 with a 2.59 ERA.

On Friday, Matt Harrison threw his first career shutout, a five-hitter, to lead Texas to a 7-0 win.

The rookie left-hander Harrison (8-3) walked four and struck out five for the Rangers, who have won three of four. Harrison had previously thrown eight shutout innings on August 16 against Tampa Bay.

Taylor Teagarden and Hank Blalock each hit a solo homer for Texas, while Chris Davis finished with two hits and two runs batted in.

Greg Smith (7-15) took the loss after surrendering six runs on seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, with two walks and two strikeouts.

Kurt Suzuki had two of the five hits for Oakland, which has dropped two straight contests.

The Rangers have had the upper hand in this year's season series with Oakland, winning 10 of the 14 previous clashes heading into today's game. Texas has also taken six of the eight meetings between the divisional foes held at the Coliseum this year.