Projected Matchups
Game 1: Carlos Silva vs. John Wasdin
Game 2: Francisco Liriano vs. John Rheinecker
Game 3: Johan Santana vs. John Koronka
Game 1 Matchup Notes
Silva: Coming off 3 solid starts where he allowed just 5 runs over 20 innings, the Brewers rocked Silva for 7 runs on 9 hits over 4.1 innings. Since Silva is the weakest of the Twins pitchers the Rangers will be facing, hopefully he can carry over his Brewers outing into Arlington.
Wasdin: John has gone 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 3 starts so far this year and is starting today in place of an injured Kevin Millwood. He pitched a decent game against the Astros on July 1st and hopefully that will carry over.
Game 2 Matchup Notes
Liriano: Francisco has established himself as the front-runner for ROY and even a Cy Young candidate with his 9-1 record and league leading 1.99 ERA. He pitched onced against Texas earlier in the year, out of the bullpen, and gave up 4 hits striking out 3 in 3 scoreless innings.
Rheinecker: John has struggled his last 3 starts going 2-1 with a 4.41 ERA but is a solid 3-1 with a 3.14 ERA at home this year. He is coming off a stellar outing against the Blue Jays where he allowed only 1 run on 5 hits in 7 innings. This is his first career start against the Twins.
Game 3 Matchup Notes
Santana: The former Cy Young winner Santana is having another stellar season. He will be going for his 10th win of the season against the Rangers and has posted a 2.76 ERA. The Rangers are hoping his poor start against the Royals can carry over where he allowed 5 runs on 6 hits in 5.2 innings. This is Santana's first start of the year against Texas.
Koronka: The 3rd of 3 John's starting for Texas in this series, Koronka has gone 2-1 with a 3.33 ERA in his last 4 starts. John pitched well in has last start against the Blue Jays allowing 3 runs over 8 innings in a pitchers duel with Roy Halladay. With 6 wins he is only 2 away from the record for wins by a left handed rookie. Mitch Williams and Doug Davis hold the record with 8.
On another note, I find it very interesting that the Rangers have 3 pitchers named John starting each of the game of this series.