Tampa Bay @ Texas preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 9, 2013 ) Tampa Bay 1, Texas 6

The Tampa Bay Rays figured their starting rotation would be so strong in that they could afford to trade James Shields during the offseason. Tampa Bay, though, certainly didn't expect to lose veteran Jeff Niemann with a shoulder injury, which will more than likely end his season. The Rays' pitching depth will be tested and others must step up, including 23-year-old Matt Moore, who starts against the Texas Rangers on Wednesday in the finale of their three-game series.

The Rangers, who have won three straight and six of their first seven contests, go for the series sweep between teams many believe will reach the postseason. Texas got a boost from its starting rotation when Nick Tepesch worked into the eighth inning in his major-league debut in Tuesday's 6-1 victory. The Rays have lost three straight and have hit only four home runs in their first eight games, with Evan Longoria homerless for the longest stretch in his career to start a season.

TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, Sun Sports (Tampa Bay), Fox Sports Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH Matt Moore (1-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Derek Holland (0-0, 2.57)

Moore was sharp in his season opener, allowing two hits and striking out eight in Tampa Bay's 4-0 victory over Cleveland on Friday. The Fort Walton Beach, Fla., native was 11-11 with a 3.81 ERA in his first full season of 2012, but many believe Moore has the stuff to become another David Price. Moore dominated Texas in his fourth major-league appearance, pitching seven shutout innings in the Rays' 9-0 victory in Game 1 of their AL Division Series in 2011.

Holland was strong in his season debut, yielding two runs in seven innings while striking out five, but did not get the decision in Texas' 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday. Holland was 28-12 in the previous two seasons and is expected to be a key cog in the Rangers' rotation. Holland is 4-2 with a 5.36 ERA in eight career starts against Tampa Bay, with Longoria (9-for-22, three homers, four doubles, seven RBIs) giving him the most trouble.

WALK-OFFS

1. DH Lance Berkman is 12-for-25 with seven RBIs in his first eight games as a Ranger.

2. Longoria is 10-for-27 - all singles.

3. Niemann is scheduled to have surgery to repair his rotator cuff and labrum Wednesday.

PREDICTION: Rangers 3, Rays 2