Texas Rangers Set Pitching Probables for Athletics Series
The Texas Rangers have set their pitching probables for their three-game series with the Oakland Athletics, which starts on Friday at Globe Life Field.
The Rangers (76-63) going into the series chasing the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners in the American League West.
Jordan Montgomery (8-10, 3.46) will start for the Rangers on Friday opposite the Athletics’ Paul Blackburn (4-4, 3.81).
Montgomery made his last start against the Twins on Saturday, taking a no-decision. He threw 3 2/3 innings, giving up seven hits and six earned runs, nearly all of which came in the fourth inning. He walked two and struck out none. In his six starts with the Rangers, he is 2-1 with a 3.60 ERA, with 30 strikeouts and seven walks in 35 innings.
Blackburn won his last start against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday, going five innings and giving up one earned run on four hits. He struck out four and walked three. He is 3-2 with a 2.38 ERA in his last seven starts, with 41 strikeouts and 14 walks in his last 41 2/3 innings.
While the Athletics have not announced a probable starter for Saturday, the Rangers intend go with Jon Gray (8-7, 3.85). The right-hander took a no-decision in his last start against Minnesota on Sunday. He threw five innings, giving up seven hits and three earned runs. He also struck out eight and walked four. In his last seven starts Gray is 2-2 with a 5.26 ERA with 45 strikeouts and 15 walks in 39.1 innings.
The Rangers will finish the series with left-hander Andrew Heaney (9-6, 4.22) against Luis Medina (3-8, 5.46).
Heaney absorbed a no-decision against Houston on Monday, as he gave up five hits and three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out one and walked four. He is 2-0 with a 2.90 ERA in his last seven starts, with 32 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 innings. He is one win away from cracking 10 wins in a season for the first time in his career.
Medina gave up three hits and three earned runs in 4 2/3 innings as he took a no-decision against Toronto on Tuesday. He struck out three and walked three. In his last seven games he is 1-1 with a 3.77 ERA, with 29 strikeouts and 14 walks in 31 innings.
After the Athletics, the Rangers go on the road for a week-long trip at the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Guardians. Texas is a half-game behind the Blue Jays in the Wild Card race.
Friday’s game is set for 7:05 p.m. CT, while Saturday at 6:05 p.m. and Sunday at 1:35 p.m.
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