The Rockies handed the Texas Rangers their first loss in their new stadium last night, holding on for a 3-2 win. Today, they will look to do a few things: win the series and spoil Corey Kluber’s Rangers debut.
The two-time AL Cy Young winner was traded from the Indians to the Rangers in the offseason. Today marks not only his first start in Texas, but also his first start since May 1, 2019 when he suffered a fractured right forearm. Prior to that, he pitched in seven games for the Indians and posted a 2-3 record and a 5.80 ERA. In 2014, 2016, and 2017 he won 18 games (and the Cy Young in 2014 and 2017) and in 2018 he won 20.
Kluber will face off against Kyle Freeland, who is hoping to start a comeback campaign after finishing fourth in NL Cy Young voting in 2018 only to have the worst year of his career in 2019. Freeland went 3-11 in 22 games in 2019, posting a 6.73 ERA and 1.58 WHIP — both career highs. He also was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque from May 31-July 13 to work on things, much like Jon Gray was in 2018. If Gray’s case is any indication, Freeland should hopefully have a bounce back year in 2020.
Start Time: 12:35 p.m. MT
TV: AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain, MLB.tv
Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)
Lineups:
Wake up. Play ball. These are the best days. pic.twitter.com/i0INsggTqs
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) July 26, 2020
Let's take the series. pic.twitter.com/QoHQ23RxBZ
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 26, 2020