Rangers Ballpark in Arlington |
7:05 PM CT 
Brian Slocum, RHP (0-0, -.--)
Indians (26-31)
@ 
A.J. Murray, LHP (1-0, 3.38)
Rangers (29-30)
Scouting Report:
Indians: This was supposed to be Jake Westbrook's second start since his return from the disabled list and an intercostal strain. Instead, Westbrook is headed right back to the DL with right elbow inflammation. Because sixth starter Jeremy Sowers just turned in a seven-inning outing for Triple-A Buffalo on Sunday and prospect Adam Miller is on the Buffalo DL, the Indians will have to get creative for this game. They might go with a host of relievers. Brian Slocum is a potential callup from the Bisons, or the Indians could venture off the 40-man roster.
Rangers: Murray's only start of the season wasn't sparkling, but it was effective. On May 3 at Oakland, Murray lasted 5 1/3 and held the Athletics to three runs, two earned, en route to a victory. In that outing, he allowed only six hits and two walks while striking out two. In his career, Murray has pitched a grand total of one inning, spread out over two appearances, against the Indians. But he's flawless in that one inning with one strikeout.
Wednesday, June 4 Rangers Ballpark in Arlington |
7:05 PM CT Cliff Lee, LHP (8-1, 1.88)
Indians (26-31)
@ Sidney Ponson, RHP (4-1, 3.83)
Rangers (29-30)
Scouting Report:
Indians: Lee has given up 11 runs in his last three starts after giving up four in his first seven starts of the season. In his last outing, against the Royals, Lee picked up the win, but only lasted six innings, giving up four runs. It was his second-shortest outing of the season. Lee has struggled lately, but who could've expected him to continue pitching as brilliantly as he did in April and early May.
Rangers: Ponson got back on track in his last start, earning his fourth victory of the season on May 31 by holding the Athletics to four runs in seven innings. Ponson gets the start in the series finale with Cleveland, which will be his first meeting with the Indians this season. Ponson is still in search of his first victory against the Tribe, as he's winless in 12 appearances -- 11 of which starts. In those 12 games, he's 0-7 with a 9.47 ERA, having allowed 83 hits and 35 walks to just 31 strikeouts.
Thursday, June 5 Rangers Ballpark in Arlington |
7:05 PM CT C.C. Sabathia, LHP (3-7, 4.72)
Indians (26-31)
@ Kevin Millwood, RHP (3-3, 4.50)
Rangers (29-30)
Scouting Report:
Indians: Sabathia lost the fifth of his career Saturday night against the Royals. Sabathia went eight innings, allowing four runs, three of which came in one inning. Again, he didn't get much run support, which contributed him to losing his seventh game. In his last three starts, Sabathia has gone a combined 22 innings and given up just seven runs. Yet he hasn't won any of those games.
Rangers: In his return from the DL on Friday against the Athletics, Millwood was superb, holding the Athletics to one run in six innings on five hits while striking out five and walking none. Millwood earned the victory against Oakland, which was his first since April 30 against Kansas City. Millwood's groin, which landed him on the DL, gave him no problems as he located pitches with ease. He returns to the mound Wednesday against Cleveland, which will be the first time he's faced his old club this season. Millwood is 2-1 in three career starts against the Tribe, with a 4.12 ERA and 23 strikeouts to just six walks.
Doug Mathis on the mound tomorrow for Texas
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