The Yankees travel to the Lone Star State for a three game set against the Rangers. Texas native Nathan Eovaldi (0-2, 6.11 ERA) will go for game one looking to get his first W against Cesar Ramos. Eovaldi has struck out at least seven batters in seven consecutive starts, tied for the longest streak in team history. However, all he has to show for it is a 10.7 hits per nine innings ratio and zero wins. He took the loss his last time out against the A’s, allowing three runs on eight hits through six innings. This will be his second career start against Texas, first in pinstripes. In his last outing against them, he gave up five runs on nine hits through five innings taking the loss.
Cole Hamels was supposed to get the ball for this game, but he went down with a strained left groin muscle causing Ramos to be recalled. In three Triple-A starts, Ramos is 0-1 with a 3.18 ERA. This is his first Major League start since May 2014 when he was with the Rays.
A few Yankees have had success against the Rangers over the years. Brett Gardner is hitting .326 with a .406 on-base percentage and a .507 slugging in 46 career games against them. Carlos Beltran is batting .310 with a .374 on-base percentage and a .508 slugging. Alex Rodriguez has played 127 games against his former club, hitting .306 with 20 home runs, 85 RBIs and a .500 slugging. Fellow former Ranger Mark Teixeira has played 52 games against his former club and is hitting .254 with 14 home runs and 42 RBIs. Despite being in the basement of the AL East, Rangers manager Jeff Banister isn’t ready to write the Yankees off.
“They are a dangerous ballclub,” Banister said.
Tidbits:
The Rangers took five of seven games against the Yanks last season.
Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances struck out 22 of 33 batters they faced during the Yankees’ homestand.
Prince Fielder hit .357 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in seven games against the Yanks last season.
8:05 pm on Yes and ESPN.
