Kenny Rogers (8-10, 4.95) vs.
Scott Feldman (4-5, 5.18)
When the Tigers and Rangers faced each other at Comerica Park back in April, Texas appeared to be one of the worst teams in baseball, while Detroit looked as if it might rebound from a surprisingly poor start. The Tigers outscored the Rangers 37-10 in that three-game series. Four months later, perceptions have changed a bit. Neither of these teams is going to make the playoffs, but the Rangers have exceeded projections, while the Tigers have been crushed by expectations.
The thought of Kenny Rogers pitching at Rangers Ballpark is kind of terrifying, especially considering that Rogers has lost his last four starts and allowed four runs or more in each of those games. Against Texas earlier this season, he gave up six runs, nine hits, and three walks in just 3 1/3 innings. In Arlington, where Rogers pitched the majority of his career, his record is 53-27 with a 3.99 ERA.
Scott Feldman is also winless in his previous four starts, and his last outing was particularly terrible. That actually might not be a strong enough word to describe allowing 12 runs (six earned) and 10 hits in just 2 2/3 innings at Boston. Yet Feldman took a no-decision out of that game, which tells you how powerful the Rangers' lineup is. The Texas bullpen did go on to allow seven more runs, however. Final score that night? Red Sox 19, Rangers 17.
Lone Star Ball has your SB Nation opposing view for this three-game series. I have a feeling their community's going to have a lot of fun over the next three nights.