The Texas Rangers are set to open a three game series with the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night in a rematch of last year's ALDS.
Scott Feldman is set to make his first start of the season, taking Matt Harrison's turn in the rotation. Feldman has appeared in just seven games spanning 16 innings thus far on the season, allowing 14 hits and four walks while striking out 11. Feldman has given up seven runs in those 16 innings as well, good for a 3.94 ERA.
Texas' offense will face off against Rookie of the Year candidate Jeremy Hellickson. Hellickson has been magnificent for Tampa Bay this season, owning an 11-9 record, 3.01 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. Hellickson has struck out 102 in 149.1 innings of work on the season while walking 52.
The Rays find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture, with hope quickly dimming. Joe Maddon's squad sit seven and a half games behind the wild card leading Yankees - and eight back in the loss column.
Texas has added some breathing room the last two days in the AL West, starting with their win over the Angels on Sunday against Los Angeles' ace Jered Weaver. The Angels also dropped their contest last night against the Mariners, falling 3.5 games behind Texas.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT from Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.