The Texas Rangers are closing in on the final wild card berth in the American League. They just need to keep winning games.
Texas (70-71) hopes to extend a 3-1 homestand on Friday as they host the Tampa Bay Rays (83-57) in the second game of a four-game series at Globe Life Field.
On Thursday night the Rangers delivered a surprise. Texas will use right-hander Trevor Williams as an opener and then bring in probable starter Kumar rocker , as a bulk innings pitcher. The Rangers have employed this strategy twice this season with Rocker, who struggles early in games.
In the previous two instances the Rangers pitched left-hander Tyler Alexander in front of Rocker. Williams pitched on Wednesday in a relief role. This is not a precursor to Williams joining the rotation. But it is a change to what was originally planned. Rocker has pitched well both times as a bulk reliever.
Meanwhile, the Rays are starting a right-hander on the mound which means Texas can get back to using its more traditional left-handed lineup after facing a steady stream of left-handed pitching this week.
The Rangers enter the game two games behind the Houston Astros in the American League West and one-half game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the final AL wild card berth. The Guardians are playing a doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
Texas Rangers left fielder Wyatt Langford. Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
DH Joc Pederson (L)
SS Corey Seager (L)
RF Brandon Nimmo (L)
1B Jake Burger
CF Evan Carter (L)
3B Cody Freeman
Where:Globe Life Field, Arlington
Friday:7:05 p.m. - TV: Rangers:CW33; Rays:Rays.TV; Radio: Rangers:KRLD 1080, KFLC 1270; Rays: WDAE 95.7 FM, WQBN/1300AM
Friday: RangersRHP Trevor Williams (0-0, 3.93) vs. RaysRHP Nick Martinez (13-4, 2.99)
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Joc Pederson:Pederson gets back in the lineup and he's looking for a turnaround after .161/.257/.355 in his last 15 games. There is good news. He has a great history against Martinez, with two home runs and three RBI in five career at-bats. He should get at least three cracks at the right-hander.
Cody Freeman:The young utility player is thriving with regular playing time. In his last 15 games he is slashing .283/.340/.413 with one home run and five RBI. With Josh Jung out of the order, his work at third base has helped Texas ride out his absence for more than a month.
Corey Seager:He has never faced Martinez but that might work to Seager's advantage. He's coming off a 1-for-4 game against Tampa Bay on Thursday and after going 0-for-4 against the Athletics on Wednesday he went 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored on Tuesday. It's time for his bat to heat up again.
This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/rangers/onsi as Rangers Set Lineup, New Starting Pitcher Seeking Second Straight Win over Rays .
