Rangers at Orioles
The Texas Rangers have hit a bit of a skid, dropping four of their past five and six of nine since beginning the season a scorching 15-4. The hottest team in the American League now is the Baltimore Orioles, who have won five straight and are coming off a sweep of the Boston Red Sox. The Rangers have lost their last two series against AL East opponents and head to Baltimore for a four-game set.
The Orioles will be playing with a depleted pitching staff after going into the 17th inning to win Sunday. Baltimore burned through nine pitchers in the contest, with first baseman Chris Davis tossing the last two frames. Adam Jones has homered in two straight games for the Orioles. Texas has had some trouble with its starting rotation during the recent slide, with even Yu Darvish struggling in Sunday’s loss.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, FSSW (Texas), MASN (Baltimore)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Matt Harrison (3-2, 5.40 ERA) vs. Orioles LH Brian Matusz (1-3, 4.67 ERA)
Harrison has been a big reason for Texas’ latest lull, suffering back-to-back losses while allowing a total of 15 runs - 14 earned - on 22 hits in 8 1/3 innings. The left-hander had surrendered a total of four runs in his first three turns - all wins. Harrison has never lost to the Orioles, owning a 3-0 record with a 4.68 ERA in four starts. Jones is 4-for-9 with a homer of Harrison.
Matusz earned his first win last time out and has put together two straight strong outings, allowing a total of one earned run in 12 1/3 innings against Toronto and New York. The left-hander cut down on his walks in those two turns, issuing a total of just three. Matusz is 2-1 despite a 6.64 ERA in four career starts against the Rangers.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Adrian Beltre (hamstring) was out of the starting lineup for a fifth straight game for the Rangers on Sunday. He is expected to start on Monday.
2. Davis ended up pitching the final two innings - striking out two - to earn the win Sunday, making up for an 0-for-8 day at the plate with five strikeouts.
3. Texas took five of six from Baltimore last season.