After snapping their four-game home winning streak, the Texas Rangers look to begin a new one as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday night at Globe Life Field. The series finale is set for 7:05 p.m.
Texas (12-12) got an early two-run homer from Josh Jung on Friday, later fell behind by two, then tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on a two-run single by Jake Burger. However, Pittsburgh (14-10) broke through against the Rangers’ bullpen with four runs in the top of the ninth, highlighted by a massive three-run blast from Oneil Cruz who had a three-run homer robbed by Texas center fielder Evan Carter on Wednesday.
The Rangers can take some comfort in the Athletics also losing on Wednesday, keeping Texas just half a game back in the American League West. Still, that also tightened the division race, with the Los Angeles Angels now 1.5 games behind, followed by the Seattle Mariners (2.5 GB) and the Houston Astros (3.5 GB).
Rangers Lineup vs. Pirates on April 23
RF Brandon Nimmo (L)
DH Joc Pederson (L)
SS Corey Seager (L)
1B Jake Burger
3B Josh Jung
CF Evan Carter (L)
C Danny Jansen
2B Josh Smith (L)
LF Alejandro Osuna (L)
RHP Jacob deGrom
The biggest question for Texas is how to arrange the lineup with Wyatt Langford sidelined for several days due to a Grade 1 flexor strain. On Wednesday, the Rangers started Ezequiel Duran in left field, batting ninth. On Thursday, facing another right-handed starter, they’ve chosen to go with left-hander Alejandro Osuna in the ninth spot and left field.
The most notable lineup change is Joc Pederson hitting second a spot typically held by Langford. The lefty, who has mostly struggled since joining Texas, is hitting better lately: .231/.369/.308 on the season, and .333/.500/.333 since April 10. If the Rangers prioritize on-base percentage, Pederson stands out as the top choice in a lineup featuring six left-handed hitters.
Through the first two games of the homestand, the Rangers are slashing .212/.275/.327 at home, raising their batting average by 12 points since returning from their last road trip. With the Pirates sending another right-hander to the mound, Texas needs to strike early. The Rangers hit .250/.329/.418 against righties but just .206/.271/.312 against lefties. Pittsburgh has two left-handed relievers with at least one day of rest Evan Sisk and Mason Montgomery. Texas wants a lead before either enters the game.
Worth noting: Only one Rangers player has faced Pirates starter Bubba Chandler. Catcher Danny Jansen has one at-bat against him and recorded a hit.
