The Texas Rangers are back in Arlington to kick off a three-game series with the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians.
After winning five of their last six games, the Texas Rangers will face the biggest test of their newfound run of success.
Texas welcomes the red-hot Cleveland Guardians to Globe Life Field for a three-game set beginning on Friday night.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM CST, a slight change from the usual 7:05 PM start on Friday nights.
The first 10,000 fans who make their way into the ballpark will receive a Rangers Captain Plush Keychain.
Anyone not heading out to the ballpark will have to tune into tonight’s game differently on the TV side of things, as Friday night will be an Apple TV exclusive broadcast. 105.3 The Fan will still have things covered on the radio side of things.
As for the action on the field, the Rangers will send Kumar Rocker to the mound to make his 11th start (12th appearance) of the season.
Rocker enters play with a 2-5 record and a 3.54 ERA on the season. In 36.2 innings pitched in Arlington this season, Rocker has an ERA of just 2.95.
In his last start against the Kansas City Royals on May 30th, Rocker threw six shutout innings, allowing just three hits. The Rangers righty did not factor into the decision in that contest, as that was the game Texas used Ezequiel Duran’s walkoff single to claim a 7-6 walkoff win.
Staying in the strike zone will be key for Rocker on Friday night as he will face a Guardians team that enters play fourth in MLB with 252 walks this season.
Offensively, Rangers hitters will have the tall task of facing Guardians lefty Parker Messick, who enters play at 6-1 with a 2.21 ERA in 12 starts.
In his last start against the Boston Red Sox on May 30th, Messick went five innings, allowing just one earned run.
The Rangers will reportedly be getting an extra boost to help them in their battle with Messick and the Guardians, as Texas is expected to activate shortstop Corey Seager from the injured list before Friday’s game.
Seager has been out since May 18th with lower back inflammation, but is ready to return after completing a pair of rehab games with Double-A Frisco.
Texas could also be getting Wyatt Langford back at some point during this series after he completed a four-game rehab stint playing two games with Frisco and two with Triple-A Round Rock.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
