Jacob deGrom will face the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, seeking a better start after a rough outing on Friday. He allowed five runs in the first inning but lasted six innings to get a 9-7 win over San Diego.
What happened?
The Rangers' right-hander has a stellar 2.91 ERA against the Marlins but just a 10-9 record. He will be making his 28th start against them, the most against any team except the Atlanta Braves.
Why it matters for Jacob deGrom
DeGrom was outstanding last year for the Rangers, posting a 12-8 record and a 2.97 ERA in 30 starts. He was named the American League's Comeback Player of the Year.
What comes next?
The Rangers hope to support deGrom with star shortstop Corey Seager, who has been out since suffering concussion-like symptoms on June 11. Seager took batting practice on Tuesday and might be activated in time to face Miami on Wednesday.
The Marlins will start right-hander Eury Perez, who hasn't pitched in the majors since May 27 due to a thigh injury. Perez threw a bullpen session on Monday and reached 95 mph.
DeGrom turned 38 years old on Friday, and Texas manager Skip Schumaker said he was upset at himself after the rough start. Schumaker wanted deGrom to get through six innings, and he did.
The Marlins have been playing good baseball this month, hitting 26 homers in 20 games. They hit just 23 homers all of last month.
Perez has faced the Rangers once, scattering two hits while striking out nine batters over four scoreless innings in a no-decision last September.
The Marlins hope Perez's return will help a rotation that includes two other standouts -- Max Meyer and Sandy Alcantara. Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said Perez can go longer than the 3 2/3 innings he pitched last week.
DeGrom has a 6-4 record and a 3.59 ERA this season. He will look to improve his record against the Marlins on Wednesday.
The Rangers are looking for a win after splitting the first two contests of the series. The Marlins rebounded from a 4-3 setback in the series opener on Monday with a 6-4 victory in the rematch on Tuesday.