Boston @ Texas preview
Globe Life Park in Arlington
Last Meeting ( Sep 25, 2019 ) Boston 10, Texas 3
The Boston Red Sox might miss their visits to Globe Life Park, where they'll conclude a three-game series with the host Texas Rangers on Thursday. A 10-3 win over the Rangers on Wednesday gave the Red Sox their fifth consecutive victory at the Rangers' home park, which will be replaced when Texas moves to Globe Life Field next season.
The victory gave Boston a 6-0-1 record in its last seven series with the Rangers and 16 wins in the last 20 meetings overall. One-time Texas slugger Mitch Moreland is finishing his season on a high note for the Red Sox, going 4-for-5 with a two-run homer Wednesday to improve to 9-for-22 with four home runs during a five-game hitting streak. He'll likely take a seat against Texas lefty Mike Minor, who starts the series finale against Boston's Brian Johnson. The Rangers have lost nine of their last 10 overall and five straight at their soon-to-be former home.
TV: 2:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), FS Southwest (Texas)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Brian Johnson (1-3, 6.05 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Mike Minor (13-10, 3.52)
Johnson will be making his first start since Aug. 25, when he gave up three runs over three innings in a loss at San Diego. He is 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in seven starts on the year. The 28-year-old will be facing the Rangers for the first time.
Minor lost his last two starts while giving up a total of 13 runs over 10 innings, serving up five home runs and walking seven batters in that span. He limited the Red Sox to two runs across eight innings in a matchup at Fenway Park on June 10. J.D. Martinez is 5-for-9 with a home run against the Vanderbilt product, who is 5-4 with a 4.22 ERA at home.
WALK-OFFS
1. Red Sox RF Mookie Betts (foot) sat out Wednesday's game and is expected to miss Thursday as well before returning for Friday's home matchup with Baltimore.
2. Rangers LF Willie Calhoun left the 10-3 loss with a forearm contusion after getting hit with a pitch in the first inning.
3. Boston 3B Rafael Devers is 8-for-23 with two home runs and five RBIs during a five-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Rangers 6, Red Sox 5