Monday could be a difficult day for the Texas Rangers’ offence.
A trip to Coors Field in Denver, known for being a hitter-friendly ballpark, would normally be welcomed by any visiting team. However, the Rangers face a challenge. The Rockies are starting a left-handed pitcher, which could hinder the Rangers’ chances of winning the first game of the series.
Quintana’s Left-Handed Pitching Presents a Hurdle
Colorado will start veteran Jose Quintana. He has a solid season record, but his effectiveness isn’t the primary concern for Texas. The issue is that he throws with his left hand.
Texas has struggled against left-handed pitching this season, with a slash line of .193/.277/.269. They only have four home runs and 25 RBI against lefties. By contrast, the team performs better against right-handers, with a slash line of .238/.320/.387, along with 38 home runs and 138 RBI.
Seager’s Absence and Lineup Adjustments
Texas is coming off an 8-0 victory over the Houston Astros. Their offence exploded for five runs in the seventh inning. However, Corey Seager will not be in Monday’s lineup as he gets his back spasms checked out in Arlington.
The Rangers tend to stack left-handed hitters against right-handed pitching. Many of those left-handers may be on the bench for at least part of the game on Monday night.
Matchups to Watch
The Rangers have recently used Joc Pederson as a leadoff hitter for the past four games. However, those games were all against right-handers. Pederson is a platoon left-handed bat who only hits against right handers, so Andrew McCutchen will lead off, with Brandon Nimmo in the No. 2 spot.
Sam Haggerty is in the lineup because he’s a switch hitter, even though his numbers have been sub-par at the plate all season. Michael Helman, who was promoted on Monday, is in the No. 9 spot because he’s a right-handed hitter.
Looking at past Quintana matchups, Nimmo and Andrew McCutchen are two hitters to watch. Nimmo is batting .400 with a home run and an RBI in five at-bats. McCutchen is batting .296 with a home run and three RBI in 27 at-bats.
Monday’s game holds the potential to be challenging for the Texas Rangers.