Rangers' Kevin Millwood leaves start early

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -Texas right-hander Kevin Millwood left Saturday night's game against Oakland in the first inning with a right groin strain.

After throwing a pitch to Jack Cust, Millwood bent down and placed his hands on his knees. Rangers catcher Gerald Laird immediately signaled for the team's medical staff.

Millwood tossed a warmup pitch before exiting. He threw 12 pitches to three batters, recording two outs.

Josh Rupe replaced Millwood, who is 2-3 with a 4.88 ERA in nine starts.

Millwood was placed on the disabled list two different times last season with a strained left hamstring.