The Texas Rangers open up a three game set hosting the Florida Marlins as interleague play throughout the majors comes to a halt this weekend.
Alexi Ogando gets the start for Texas - and it's quite the important one for him. Ogando has scuffled after starting the year a perfect 7-0, losing each of his last three starts, giving up a combined 10 earned runs in 9.2 innings in those three starts. Still, Ogando's overall numbers on year are excellent: 7-3 with a 2.87 ERA, .217 BAA, 1.03 WHIP with 65 strikeouts against 20 walks in 91 innings of work.
If Ogando pitches well, he'll keep his spot in the rotation. If he doesn't, Rangers manager Ron Washington has already suggested he might be skipped to get some extra rest headed into the All Star Break.
The Rangers will face off against Anibal Sanchez of the Marlins on Friday - who is putting together quite the nice season. Sanchez is 6-1 for the lowly Fish, posting a 2.82 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and .231 BAA in 105.1 innings. Further, he's struck out 107 and only walked 29 on the season.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT.