ARLINGTON -- The Rangers began June tied for the American League's second wild card spot with Boston and Oakland.

OK, 106 games remain and a lot can change. It still beats the alternative for Chris Woodward, two months into his first year managing Texas.

Would he have thought the Rangers capable of a promising start back in spring training?

"I would have totally believed it," Woodward said before a 6-2 win Saturday over Kansas City. "Of course we'd have taken it. It's a great spot to be. I've really talked to our team: 'Let's embrace it. Where we finish, we finish.'

"I love it. I love that we're in that spot."

Woodward pointed to Friday's win over Kansas City as an example of the team's progress, with all the quality at-bats before Joey Gallo's decisive grand slam.

No opener for Sampson: Adrian Sampson (3-3) will get the ball to start Sunday's game against the Royals, which qualifies as news.

In his last three appearances, all wins, Sampson has been preceded by an "opener" tasked with the facing the top of the opponent's order.

"We've done that to Sampson a lot," Woodward said. "I don't want to do that every single time."

Plus, Woodward doesn't see a huge advantage using an opener against the Royals.

"Honestly, I'm OK with the way their lineup sets up," Woodward said.

Player of the month: After a huge May at the plate, Hunter Pence was named the Rangers players of the month by the writers and broadcasters who cover the team.

Pence had 26 RBIs to tie for the AL lead in addition to eight home runs, 16 extra-base hits and a .678 slugging percentage. The 26 RBIs represented Pence's second-highest monthly total in his 13 years in the majors. He had 32 in September 2013 with San Francisco.

Although Pence was an obvious choice, Jesse Chavez did not allow a run during 171/3 innings.

Progress for Odor: Woodward liked what he saw from second baseman Rougned Odor, who is hitting .164.

Odor went 1-for-4 with a single in his last at-bat. Woodward liked that Odor was trying different things.

"Much better," Woodward said. "One thing we talked about a lot was staying inside, staying through this way with his swing. Right off the bat I saw a different approach and it actually kind of opened my eyes."

Rangers waive Gomez: Right-hander Jeanmar Gomez, who struggled after making the team in spring training, was placed on unconditional release waivers.

He was designated for assignment earlier in the week. Gomez allowed 14 earned runs in 151/3 innings this season. Opponents hit .359 off him.

Efficient day: Catcher Jeff Mathis, who entered the game hitting .144, recorded his first RBI since April 24 on a sacrifice fly. He also walked twice and scored on a sixth-inning sacrifice fly by Elvis Andrus.

Twitter: @ChuckCarltonDMN