Previewing The Yankees At The Rangers

Jul 25, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher

(18) delivers a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Hiroki Kuroda will close out the series on the mound for the Yankees. Unlike the past two season, Kuroda seems to be getting better as the year goes along. In only 7 of his 21 starts in 2014, Kuroda has surpassed the 100-pitch mark. That is a sign that manager Joe Girardi finally sees that he can’t roll a 40-year-old pitcher out to the bump every 5 days, run the wheels off of him, and not expect repercussions during the second half of the season.

Opposing Kuroda, is Colby Lewis. In 6 1/3 innings last week in the Bronx, Lewis allowed 3 earned runs. He’s never beaten the Yankees in six career starts, posting an ugly ERA of 6.14.

Kuroda is pitching like the ace the Yankees need him to be. The only remaining member of the starting rotation coming out of spring training, he’s been on the end of a couple heart-breaking losses, tossing 8 and 7 innings respectively, allowing only 5 earned runs in the combined starts. Look for him to make the Rangers’ hitters look silly.

Series Forecast: I took it on the chin this weekend, as the Yankees choked 2 of 3 away. I’ll turn the tables once again, and say the Yankees will win the Kuroda and McCarthy wins, and lose the Phelps opener tonight against Darvish. Unless Tex returns, the Bombers’ offense will continue to struggle to put the big inning together. Now that they have faced Martinez, I expect a different outcome and Colby Lewis is well, Colby Lewis. Enjoy the series!