The Texas Rangers (14-11) host the New York Yankees (15-11) at Globe Life Field on Friday. The Yankees took Thursday’s series opener 4-2.
Starter Gerrit Cole went 6.2 innings for the win, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out eight, and Michael King pitched 2.1 scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season.
Jose Trevino was 3 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Marcus Semien’s on-base streak hit 13 as he went 2 for 4 with a double and one run for the Rangers.
ON THE MOUND
Clarke Schmidt (0-2, 6.30 ERA) is slated to take the mound for New York. The righty allowed three runs (zero earned) over 5.2 innings in his last start, a 5-1 home defeat against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He was charged with the loss, giving up three hits while striking out eight and walking one.
Schmidt is making his first appearance against the Rangers this season. Schmidt made one appearance against the Rangers in 2022, a 3-2 road loss on October 4. He held Texas scoreless over two no-hit innings, striking out two.
For Texas, RHP Jacob deGrom (2-0, 3.04 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Yankees. In his last start on Sunday, deGrom got the win at home against the Athletics.
He threw six innings and gave up two runs (1 ER) on three hits, striking out 11, in the 5-2 victory. The RHP ranks third in the AL in strikeouts (43).
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, New York has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.3. Against righties like deGrom this season, the Yanks have a .717 OPS. Aaron Judge is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .997 OPS in 73 at-bats.
Texas is averaging only 4.4 runs per game in the last five, down from 6.2 for the season, with their slash line dropping across the board (.242/.309/.412).
The Rangers have a .783 OPS against right-handers in 2023, fifth highest in MLB. With a .486 OBP over 74 at-bats, Corey Seager has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
New York is 6-4 in away games in 2023, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Texas has gone 8-5 at Globe Life Field this season, averaging 6.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.1.
New York is 6-3 in nine games between the teams at Globe Life Field with an average scoreline of 3.2-2.6.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Yankees are fourth in the AL East, six games behind the division-leading Rays. The Rangers lead the AL West by zero games over the Rangers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-225)
Want up to a $1K risk free bet for this pick?
Claim with 
today!
If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our MLB hub page for all your baseball needs!
*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
