Phil Hughes ( 4-8, 4.57 ERA) takes the ball in game two in Arlington against Alexi Ogando (4-2, 2.93 ERA). Hughes had a start of mixed results in his last outing, striking out a season high 10 batters but also allowing three homers in a loss to the Twins. He took a tough luck loss the last time he faced Texas on June 27, allowing two runs in eight innings. The right hander has a 2.08 ERA in four career starts against the Rangers, and he’s allowed just four runs in 18 innings at Rangers Ballpark. Hughes had one of his best starts of the season the last time he face against Texas. “For him, similar to CC, it’s location of his fastball,” Joe Girardi said. “At times he threw the ball very well, and at times he struggled.”
Ogando will make his first start since June 5, after being placed on the 15 day DL with right shoulder inflammation back on June 9. Ogando has made just 10 starts this year due to injuries. He’s 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA in two home starts this season.
Girardi wanted to put Austin Romine behind the plate on Sunday night against the Red Sox, but a stiff neck kept the backup catcher on the bench. After giving Romine two nights off, Girardi hopes to get him back on the field on Tuesday. “We’re dealing with his stiff neck,” Girardi said. “Hopefully he’ll be in there on Tuesday.” Chris Stewart started all three games against Boston and on Monday against Texas, going 2-12 in that stretch. Romine is batting just .158 this season, but is 3-8 over his past three games.
Game kicks off at 8:05 PM (EST) on My9.
