Game 105 Preview: Yankees at Rangers

The last two games have not gone well for a Yankee team that almost looked like it was going on a hot streak. They lost the series finale last night 5-4, to the Blue Jays who are now in 2^nd place in the AL East.

The Yankees look to shake off their last two games, as they start a 3-game series in Texas on Monday night against a dominant pitcher in Yu Darvish (9-6, 2.92 ERA). Darvish got the loss when the Yankees beat them 2-1 on Wednesday night after a rain delay forced the game to be called in the fifth inning. He ranks 9^th in the AL with a 2.92 ERA, 5^th in SO with 159, and 3^rd with 2 complete games.

On the mound for the Yankees Monday will be David Phelps (5-4, 3.77 ERA). Phelps was the winning pitcher in the shortened 2-1 victory against the Rangers, giving up 5 hits and striking out 3.

Game Notes:

-Worst Team in Baseball? The Rangers have the worst record in baseball (41-63) and are 23.5 games out in the AL West.

–Adrian Beltre has the third best batting average in the AL (.320) for a Rangers team that has struggled to do anything this year.

–Chase Headley has looked good the last 7 games. He’s 8-for-24 since being traded to the Yankees.

–Approaching Deadline: With an approaching trade deadline (Thursday), it’s expected that the Yankees will be making more moves. Rumors have included trading Ichiro Suzuki, and possibly acquiring Josh Willingham, Alex Rios, or Marlon Byrd. Troy Tulowitzki’s name has been thrown out as he was in attendance at Yankee Stadium on Sunday. At this point, it is unknown who might be playing their last game in a Yankee uniform this week.