Game 41 Preview: Rangers at Red Sox



Through a quarter of the season, the Red Sox find themselves still searching for some consistency throughout the 25 man roster. The lineup at first glance, appeared to be a mighty threat to all starting rotations but is now one of the worst in the league, the pen has had an already impressive turnover rate between who can be trusted and the starting rotation, well, it looks like they are finally figuring it out as of late. I'm calling tonight the re-set game, where Clay Buchholz (2-4 4.93) takes the mound and will try to provide another quality start (4 out of his last 6) and get this team back on track for the next quarter of the season. He will be going up against Wandy Rodriguez (1-2 3.86), with first pitch at 7:10pm.

It might seem like everyone has finally given up hope that Buchholz will turn into the "ace" of this staff, but he's shown some improvement as this season has progressed. In his last 35 1/3 innings, he's struck out 42 and in his last start against the Mariners, we might have seen his best performance of the season so far (8 innings, 3 hits). Another solid start tonight might finally give the offense the ability to break out of their struggles, who have stranded 24 runners over the last two games.

Here is tonight's Red Sox lineup: (Victorino was originally slotted to start in RF but was scratched)

Betts (CF)
Pedroia (2B)
Ortiz (DH)
Ramirez (LF)
Napoli (1B)
Holt (3B)
Bogaerts (SS)
Nava (RF)
Leon (C)

Quick Hits:

- Hanley Ramirez has feasted on Wandy Rodriquez during his career. In 28 plate appearances, he's batting .417 with two doubles, one homer and 4 walks.
- Rodriguez has never faced the Red Sox before in his 9 year career
- Prince Fielder is batting .348 on the season, which is 2nd in the AL
- The Red Sox have MLB's worst batting average against left handers, batting only .199

Have a question for Mike during the game or whenever a baseball discussion is going on, reach out via Twitter: @86flynn
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