The Houston Astros host the struggling Texas Rangers on Wednesday night. The Astros won the previous game 4-1. Lance McCullers Jr. (3-2, 5.79 ERA) will start for the Astros. it will be his first start since September 6 when he was out with nerve irritation. Kyle Gibson, who has an ERA of 8.10 having allowed eight home runs in five starts, will start for the Rangers.
Rangers' poor season gets worse
Season form
The Rangers have had an awful season so far. They are 17-31 for the season after they were beaten 4-1 in the previous game by Houston. They have split their last eight matches nicely: LWLWLLWW.
Roster update
According to the Associated Press, OF Willie Calhoun was activated from the 10-day injured list before the game. He has been out since straining his left hamstring on Aug. 19.
Stats for the season
As is expected with a 17-31 record, the Rangers have outright struggled this season. They are ranked 29th in the MLB in all four major batting stats: runs hit (178), batting average (.218), slugging percentage (.361) and on-base percentage (.291).
Social media
GUZY!! #TogetherWe pic.twitter.com/qyH6C7CbbV
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) September 16, 2020
Astros make steady progress towards consistency
Season form
The Astros have had a middling season so far. They have a 24-24 record, which is about a fair reflection of their performance. They will not be too happy that they aren't at least a few games over 0.500 though.
Roster update
According to the Associated Press, RHP Justin Verlander (right forearm strain) will throw to hitters Wednesday for the first time since he was injured. The right-hander, who hasn't pitched since the season opener on July 24, is scheduled to throw 50-60 pitches against a handful of the team's reserve players.
What was said?
"That was a good step in the right direction," Alex Bregman said. "We need to start a good streak of playing well. We haven't had the best last week or two weeks, so hopefully we can build on this."
Social media
Struck out 7 over 7.
Jose Urquidy is tonight's @budweiserusa Player of the Game! #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/KX40yKqTx3
— Houston Astros (@astros) September 16, 2020
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