- 2B Ian Kinsler
- SS Elvis Andrus
- LF Josh Hamilton
- 3B Adrian Beltre
- 1B Michael Young
- DH Nelson Cruz
- RF Mitch Moreland
- C Yorvit Torrealba
- CF Julio Borbon
This will be against Mariners rookie Michael Pineda in his first ever start. Pineda is a right handed pitcher whose difficulties getting left handed hitters out has been given more note than your typical right handed super prospect (I will try and find splits later perhaps to verify that). So what is wrong with this lineup?
Well, nothing surprising, but no David Murphy. Washington is making a good decision by giving Nelson Cruz a rest day at DH, but he's making that work by taking Mitch Moreland off his position and putting him in right field. So there is buggering with the defense and keeping a strong left handed hitter out of the lineup. Why?
To make sure Michael Young gets his at bats, dammit!
It would be so easy to rest Cruz a bit (when he's going for a record home run in each of his first five games), while just starting Murphy in his spot, with Moreland still at first. And that way, you have Murphy's career .362 wOBA against lefties against a pitcher who struggles with lefties, instead of Young's "mere" .344.
But, this was expected. Even when it makes the lineup weaker, the Rangers have got to make sure the Face of the Franchise gets his playing time. It's not a surprise, but it's still depressing.
One game.