ESPN

Following a day off, the Texas Rangers begin a three-game set with the Toronto Blue Jays at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. LHP Derek Holland will face RHP Brandon Morrow. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and TXA-21. Here’s a closer look at the pitchers:

Holland (3-3, 4.27 ERA): Holland looks to bounce back from his last start Saturday against the Houston Astros. He allowed five runs on five hits -- three of them were home runs -- in five innings during the 6-5 loss. …Holland is 1-1 with a 2.95 ERA in his last three starts, dropping his ERA from 5.13 to 4.27. … He pitched a complete game shutout on 95 pitches last season in his last matchup against the Blue Jays on July 30 at the Rogers Centre. … Holland is 2-1 with a 5.55 ERA in five games against the Blue Jays.

Morrow (5-2, 2.63 ERA): Morrow is off to an impressive start this season. In his last outing, he had a complete game shutout against the New York Mets on Saturday. … He’s 3-0 with a 0.63 ERA on the road in four starts with a .156 opponent batting average. … Morrow picked up a win in his last start against the Rangers on July 31 last season. He allowed two runs on six hits in seven innings and struck out 11. … In seven games against the Rangers, Morrow is 3-3 with a 5.46 ERA. … He’s 1-2 with a 7.71 ERA in four appearances at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. … Morrow’s ERA ranks sixth in the American League and his 0.96 WHIP is fourth best in the AL.

Hitters: Ian Kinsler (6-for-16), Michael Young (6-for-15), David Murphy (4-for-11) and Elvis Andrus (3-for-7) have been the most successful against Morrow. Nelson Cruz (1-for-13), Mike Napoli (2-for-14) and Josh Hamilton (2-for-9) have struggled. … The Blue jays have a .256 batting average and .329 slugging percentage against Holland. … The Blue Jays’ No. 3, 4 and 5 hitters Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and J.P Arencibia are 6-for-23 against Holland with zero home runs and five strikeouts. … Adam Lind has the most hits on the Blue Jays off Holland (4-for-12).

Up Next:

Sat. vs. Tor.: RHP Colby Lewis (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez (3-4, 3.30), 2:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Sun. vs. Tor.: RHP Yu Darvish (6-2, 3.05) vs. RHP Kyle Drabek (4-4, 3.27), 2:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3/1540/FSSW
Mon. vs. Sea.: LHP Matt Harrison (5-3, 4.72) vs. RHP Kevin Millwood (3-4, 3.72), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3/1540/FSSW/MLB Network

SEATTLE -- The Rangers and Mariners will wrap up their three-game set with RHP Scott Feldman taking on RHP Kevin Millwood. The day game will start at 2:40 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and FSSW.

Feldman (0-1, 3.00 ERA): Feldman will pitch on eight days rest as he fills in for Neftali Feliz in the rotation. … He’s 3-3 with a 3.54 ERA in nine career starts against the Mariners. …In two previous starts this season, he’s 0-1 with a 2.00 ERA. ...Feldman became the first Rangers pitcher to get a losing decision without allowing an earned run since C.J. Wilson on July 21, 2011 in his last start. He allowed two unearned runs in 4 2/3 innings against the Kansas City Royals on May 14. … Feldman is 1-1 with a 4.26 ERA in two starts at Safeco Field.

Millwood (2-4, 4.17 ERA): The former Rangers pitcher will make his ninth start with the Mariners. …He pitched a two-hit complete-game shutout in his last start against the Colorado Rockies on Friday. It was his 22nd career complete game and sixth career shutout. …He’s 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA in four career starts against the Rangers. …Millwood allowed a run on four hits in six innings in his first start against the Rangers this season on April 11. …Millwood is fourth in innings pitched (2,609.0), strikeouts (2,011) and games started (423) among active pitchers.

Hitters: Mike Napoli (6-for-16), Michael Young (2-for-4) and Josh Hamilton (3-for-7) have hit well against Millwood. …David Murphy (0-for-6), Mitch Moreland (0-for-5) and Nelson Cruz (0-for-2) are hitless against Millwood. …Ichiro Suzuki has the most hits among Mariners against Feldman (9-for-29). …Michael Saunders (1-for-7) and Justin Smoak (2-for-4) each have hit a home run off Feldman. …Miguel Olivio (0-for-6) and Chone Figgins (8-for-35) have struggled against Feldman.

Up Next:

Thu.: OFF DAY
Fri. vs. Tor.: LHP Derek Holland (3-3, 4.27) vs. Brandon Morrow (5-2, 2.63), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/TXA-21
Sat. vs. Tor.: RHP Colby Lewis (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez (3-4, 3.30), 2:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Sun. vs. Tor.: RHP Yu Darvish (6-2, 3.05) vs. RHP Kyle Drabek (4-4, 3.27), 2:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3/1540/FSSW

SEATTLE -- The second game of this three-game series features Rangers LHP Matt Harrison and Mariners RHP Hector Noesi. First pitch is at 9:10 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and FSSW. Here’s a closer look at the starting pitchers:

Harrison (4-3, 5.21 ERA): Harrison is scheduled to make his ninth start this season Tuesday on four days' rest. … He’s 1-3 with an 8.10 ERA in his last five starts after starting 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA. … Harrison has won his last five starts against the Mariners. He went 4-0 in four starts last year with a 1.98 ERA. … He’s won all three starts at Safeco Field and holds a 1.25 ERA in five career games in Seattle. … In 13 games against the Mariners, Harrison is 6-1 with a 2.67 ERA. It’s his most wins against any opponent. … Harrison’s .125 opponents batting average against left-handed hitters ranks second in the majors behind the New York Mets’ Johan Santana.

Noesi (2-4, 5.61 ERA): In his last outing, Noesi allowed a run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings against the Cleveland Indians. … He’s 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in three starts at Safeco Field. ... He’s 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in two games, one start, against Texas in his career. … In his start against the Rangers earlier this season, Noesi gave up seven runs on six hits in three innings.

Hitters: The Mariners have a .183 batting average against Harrison. ... Dustin Ackley (0-for-11), Mike Carp (0-for-10) and Miguel Olivo (0-for-14) are hitless against Harrison. ... Ichiro Suzuki leads the team with seven hits off Harrison (7-for-31). ... It’s a small sample size, but Nelson Cruz (2-for-2) and Mitch Moreland (1-for-2) have each homered against Noesi. … Elvis Andrus (1-for-2), Adrian Beltre (1-for-3), Josh Hamilton (1-for-2) and Michael Young (1-for-3) have collected hits off Noesi.

Up Next:

Wed. at Sea.: Scott Feldman (0-1, 3.00) vs. RHP Kevin Millwood (2-4, 4.17), 2:40 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Thu.: Off day
Fri. vs. Tor.: LHP Derek Holland (3-3, 4.27) vs. Brandon Morrow (5-2, 2.63), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/TXA-21
Sat. vs. Tor.: RHP Colby Lewis (4-3, 3.30) vs. RHP Henderson Alvarez (3-4, 3.30), 2:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW

The Rangers and Mariners play the first of a three-game series at Safeco Field on Monday night with Yu Darvish facing Felix Hernandez.

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Darvish (6-1, 2.60): This is the first time Darvish will meet an opponent for the second time. In the first meeting, Darvish's major league debut April 9, he allowed five earned runs over 5 2/3 innings in getting a victory. Darvish has 58 strikeouts in his first eight starts of the 2012 season, making him one of just six AL pitchers since 1984 to start a career with that many strikeouts. Darvish went 7 2/3 innings in his last start, Wednesday versus Oakland. Darvish struck out seven and allowed just one run on four hits.

Hernandez (3-3, 3.02): Hernandez is 1-1, with a 0.78 ERA this season at Safeco Field, where he's compiled 27 strikeouts over 23 innings. In his last start, Hernandez took a 9-3 loss at Cleveland, giving up eight runs, six earned, in 3 2/3 innings. He walked three and gave up 10 hits while throwing 103 pitches. He hasn't won a game since May 5 against Minnesota.

Texas hitters: Against Hernandez, Elvis Andrus is hitting .349, Michael Young .288 and Josh Hamilton .195.

Seattle hitters: Ichiro Suzuki is hitting .750 against Darvish, while Dustin Ackley and Chone Figgins are a combined 0-for-6.

HOUSTON -- The first leg of the Silver Boot series concludes Sunday afternoon at Minute Maid Park and the Texas Rangers will have righty Colby Lewis, their opening day starter, facing Jordan Lyles.

Here's a preview:

Lewis (3-3, 3.63): The right-hander has lost his last three starts and hasn't earned a victory since April 28. He's given up 14 earned runs in the last three starts after just giving up a total of seven earned runs in five April starts. During this tough stretch, Lewis' ERA has risen from 1.93 to 3.63. Lewis' last start resulted in him committing two throwing errors, leading to five unearned runs. Lewis said he didn't do anything differently between starts, just two bullpen sessions and feels he will get out of this funk.

Lyles (0-0, 3.00 ERA): In his last start, May 15, he drew a no-decision against Philadelphia, a 4-3 loss. Lyles gave up one run on six hits in six innings of work. He was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to make that start. Last year he pitched in two games against the Rangers, going 0-1 with a 5.54 ERA. The last time he faced them was June 28, 2011, when he was credited with the loss after allowing five runs on 10 hits in six innings.

Hitters vs. Lewis: Carlos Lee 5-for-19, Jed Lowrie 3-for-5 and Matt Downs 1-for-3.

Hitters vs. Lyles: Josh Hamilton 3-for-6, Nelson Cruz 2-for-6 and Ian Kinsler 2-for-4.

Up next:
Mon at Seattle: RHP Yu Darvish (6-1, 2.60) vs. RHP Feliz Hernandez (3-3, 3:02), 9:10 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Tue at Seattle: LHP Matt Harrison (4-3, 5.21) vs. RHP Hector Noesi (2-4, 5.61), 9:10 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3/1540/FSSW
Wed at Seattle: RHP Neftali Feliz (3-1, 3.16): vs. RHP Kevin Millwood (2-4, 4.17), 2:40 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3/1540/FSSW

HOUSTON -- The Silver Boot series continues at Minute Maid Park after the Rangers took Game 1 on Friday night. Saturday, the Rangers send lefty Derek Holland to take on right-hander Lucas Harrell.

Holland (3-2, 3.78 ERA): He's making his eighth start of the season and first since May 10 at Baltimore. Holland had his start pushed back four days so the club could give him some extra rest and keep Yu Darvish and Colby Lewis on their regular schedules. Holland is 2-0, with a 1.33 ERA on the road, where opponents are hitting just .181 against him. Holland picked up the victory at Baltimore, where he allowed three runs, all unearned over six innings. Against the Astros, Holland is 1-0 with a 4.15 ERA in two career starts. He picked up a win last season at Houston.

Harrell (2-3, 4.40 ERA): Prior to this season, Harrell had just five major league starts. Now, he's scheduled to make his ninth start Saturday night. He took the loss May 14 at Philadelphia. He gave up just two earned runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings with three strikeouts. This is Harrell's first career start versus the Rangers. Harrell's last win came May 4 against St. Louis when he pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing four earned runs, three earned on seven hits. He struck out three.

Up next:
Sun. at Hou.: RHP Colby Lewis (3-3, 3.63) vs. RHP Jordan Lyles (0-0, 3.00), 1:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW

The Silver Boot series opens with Rangers righty Neftali Feliz facing Astros lefty Wandy Rodriguez. A look at the matchup:

Feliz (3-1, 3.32): Feliz is 2-0 with three earned runs allowed in 12 innings in his last two starts, bouncing back after allowing season highs in walks (six) and runs (four) in a May 1 loss in Toronto. Feliz is holding opponents to a .188 batting average, the second lowest among American League starters. He has been especially tough against left-handed hitters, who are 11-for-72 (.153) against him. He is 0-1 with three saves and a 6.00 ERA in six relief appearances against the Astros, but five of those appearances were scoreless.

Rodriguez (3-3, 1.99): Rodriguez is sixth in the National League in ERA and tied for seventh in WHIP (0.99). Opponents are hitting only .205 against him, although Rodriguez has allowed 13 doubles. He has allowed one or no runs in five of his eight starts and is coming off one of his best starts of the season. Rodriguez struck out a season-high seven while allowing one run on three hits and a walk in eight innings against the Pirates but got a no-decision after the bullpen blew the save. He is 4-2 with a 5.13 in six career starts against the Rangers.

Hitters: Ian Kinsler has owned Rodriguez. Kinsler is 9-for-15 with three doubles, two homers and four RBIs against Rodriguez. David Murphy is 3-for-7 with a triple and a homer against the lefty. Yorvit Torrealba is 0-for-10 with three strikeouts against Rodriguez. … No Houston player has more than three at-bats against Feliz. The current Astros are 3-for-13 with five strikeouts against him, but all of the hits were for extra bases. Matt Downs is 1-for-2 with a two-run homer, Chris Johnson is 1-for-2 with a double and Carlos Lee is 1-for-2 with a double.

Up next:
Sat. at Hou.: LHP Derek Holland (3-2, 3.78) vs. RHP Lucas Harrell (2-3, 4.40), 6:15 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FOX
Sun. at Hou.: RHP Colby Lewis (3-3, 3.63) vs. RHP Jordan Lyles (0-0, 3.00), 1:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The final game of this quick two-game series features LHP Matt Harrison and RHP Brandon McCarthy. The game starts at 1:05 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and FSSW. A look at the matchup:

Harrison (4-3, 5.23 ERA): The 26-year-old will make his eighth start of the season after taking a 4-2 loss Saturday against the Angels. ... Harrison gave up four runs on four hits in six innings with five strikeouts and two walks. ... Harrison got into trouble with two-out walks, both of which scored in the game. ... Harrison started the year 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA through three starts, but is 1-3 with an 8.86 ERA in his last four starts (with one quality start). ... He's 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA in nine games (six starts) in his career against Oakland, including 4-1 with a 2.86 ERA in the six starts. ... In two starts vs. Oakland in Arlington, Harrison is 2-0 with a 1.32 ERA, including 7 2/3 shutout innings at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on July 10, 2011.

McCarthy (3-3, 2.56 ERA): This will be the ninth start for the former Ranger. ... He has won each of his last three starts and has a 1.31 ERA in that span. ... His 2.56 ERA is eighth in the AL. ... McCarthy hasn't allowed a home run in his last four starts. ... Opponents are batting .173 with runners in scoring position against McCarthy, fifth-lowest in the AL. ... He pitched seven shutout innings last Saturday against Detroit, with four hits allowed and 10 strikeouts. ... Is 1-4 with a 4.06 ERA in nine career appearances vs. Texas. ... Was 0-2 with a 4.13 ERA in five starts last year.

Hitters: Elvis Andrus (3-for-13), Mike Napoli (2-for-11) and Nelson Cruz (1-for-11) have struggled against McCarthy. ... Adrian Beltre (10-for-26, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs), Michael Young (7-for-19) and Yorvit Torrealba (3-for-5) have hit him well. ... Coco Crisp (6-for-14) and Kurt Suzuki (6-for-14) have hit Harrison well. ... Scott Sizemore is just 1-for-9 off Harrison.

Up Next:

Fri. at Hou.: RHP Neftali Feliz (3-1, 3.32) vs. LHP Wandy Rodriguez (3-3, 1.99), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/TXA 21
Sat. at Hou.: LHP Derek Holland (3-2, 3.78) vs. RHP Lucas Harrell (2-3, 4.40), 6:15 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FOX
Sun. at Hou.: RHP Colby Lewis (3-3, 3.63) vs. RHP Jordan Lyles (0-0, 3.00), 1:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW

ARLINGTON, Texas – Two of the top rookie pitchers in the majors will take the mound Wednesday night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. A look at the Yu Darvish-Tommy Milone matchup:

Darvish (5-1, 2.84 ERA): The Japanese phenom is tied for second in the American League in wins and ranks fourth in strikeouts (51), the seventh most since 1918 by a pitcher through his first seven career starts, according to baseball-reference.com. Darvish has struggled with command, allowing 4.87 walks per nine innings, the fifth most in the major leagues. But he’s often been dominant, especially since he struggled in the first two innings of his debut. Darvish has a 1.91 ERA since those rocky first two innings.

Milone (5-2, 3.92 ERA): The 25-year-old lefty doesn’t generate a tenth of Darvish’s hype, but Milone has been impressive in his own right. He has a lower batting average allowed (.220) and WHIP (1.08) than Darvish and has pitched only 2/3 of an inning less through seven starts. However, Milone has struggled miserably on the road, where he has a 7.94 ERA in four starts. He is 3-0 with an 0.39 ERA in the cozy pitcher confines of his home park.

Hitters: None of the A’s have faced Darvish. None of the Rangers have faced Milone.

Up next:
Thur. vs. Oak.: LHP Matt Harrison (4-3, 5.23) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (3-3, 2.56), 1:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Fri. at Hou.: RHP Neftali Feliz (3-1, 3.32) vs. LHP Wandy Rodriguez (3-3, 1.99), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/TXA 21
Sat. at Hou.: LHP Derek Holland (3-2, 3.78) vs. RHP Lucas Harrell (2-3, 4.40), 6:15 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FOX

ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas No. 1 starter Colby Lewis will face Kansas City spot starter Vin Mazzaro on Tuesday, wrapping a quick two-game series. A look at the matchup:

Lewis (3-2, 3.69 ERA): Lewis has dropped his last two decisions after winning his first three this season. He’s coming off the strangest start in his career, when he set career highs in strikeouts (12) and home runs allowed (five) in a 6-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles, becoming the first pitcher to give up five homers in a double-digit strikeout performance. Opponents are hitting an AL-low .077 (2-for-26) against him with runners in scoring position, with Lewis racking up 11 strikeouts in those situations. Lewis has a 1.45 ERA at home this season and is allowing the fewest walks per nine innings (1.2) of any AL starter.

Mazzaro (0-0, 0.00 ERA): Mazzaro has only pitched one inning in the big leagues this season. He was recalled from Triple-A Omaha last week and pitched a perfect eighth inning Friday night against the Chicago White Sox. He was 1-0 with a 4.37 ERA in Triple-A. The 25-year-old righty is 11-18 with a 5.11 ERA in 49 career big league appearances, including 39 starts. He is 0-1 with a 9.49 ERA in three outings against the Rangers.

Hitters: Current Royals are 7-for-25 with two doubles, four RBIs and three strikeouts against Lewis. No Kansas City player has more than five at-bats against him. Jason Bourgeois is 2-for-5 against Lewis. Eric Hosmer is 2-for-3 with a double and three RBIs. Former Ranger Jeff Francoeur is 0-for-3. … Current Rangers are hitting .390 with three homers and seven RBIs in 41 at-bats off Mazzaro. David Murphy is 2-for-6 with two homers and three RBIs. Michael Young is 4-for-5 with a double. Mike Napoli is 3-for-8 with a homer and three RBIs. Elvis Andrus is 0-for-4.

Up next:
Wed. vs. Oak.: RHP Yu Darvish (5-1, 2.84) vs. LHP Tommy Milone (5-2, 3.92), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Thur. vs. Oak.: LHP Matt Harrison (4-3, 5.23) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (3-3, 2.56), 1:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The Texas Rangers welcome the Kansas City Royals to town for a quick two-game series. Tonight's matchup features RHP Scott Feldman vs. LHP Bruce Chen. Here's a look:

Feldman (0-0, 4.35 ERA): He's making his second spot start of the season thanks to a rainout in Baltimore. ... Feldman, who won 17 games in 2009 as a starter, gave up two runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings against the New York Yankees on April 25 as a spot starter. ... He had a 2.70 ERA in April and it went up thanks to one rough outing in Toronto in early May, when he gave up three runs on three hits in 2 2/3 innings. ... Feldman didn't pitch against Kansas City last year. He did make two starts against them in 2010, going 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA.

Chen (1-4, 4.83 ERA): The 34-year-old is coming off one of his better outings of the season, allowing three runs on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings in a 4-3 win over the Boston Red Sox. It was Chen's first win of the season in his seventh start. ... He has a 2.41 run support average, fourth-lowest in the AL. Only Ervin Santana, Dan Haren and Josh Tomlin have a lower average. ... Has four quality starts, but the Royals have scored one or fewer runs in three of them. ... Chen made one start against the Rangers in 2011, allowing six runs on seven hits with three homers, three walks and two strikeouts in a game in Arlington.

Hitters: Several Rangers have solid career marks vs. Chen: Adrian Beltre (7-for-24, 2 HRs, 4 RBIs), Ian Kinsler (3-for-4), Michael Young (5-for-13, 2 RBIs). ... Mike Napoli is just 1-for-11 and the one hit was a homer. ... Josh Hamilton is 0-for-1 against Chen. ... Alex Gordon (4-for-6) and Mitch Maier (4-for-5) off Feldman.

Up next:
Tue vs. KC: Colby Lewis (3-2, 3.69 ERA) vs. TBD, 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FSSW
Tue vs. KC: RHP Colby Lewis (3-2, 3.69) vs. TBD, 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FSSW
Wed vs. Oak: RHP Yu Darvish (5-1, 2.84) vs. LHP Tommy Milone (5-2, 3.92), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW
Thur vs. Oak: LHP Matt Harrison (4-3, 5.23) vs. RHP Brandon McCarthy (3-3, 2.56), 1:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540/FSSW

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The final game of this three-games series between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels is on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball and ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM at 7:05 p.m. and features RHP Neftali Feliz vs. RHP Jered Weaver. A look:

Feliz (2-1, 3.38 ERA): The 24-year-old is making his sixth start (seventh appearance) today and he's on regular rest after earning his second win of the season at Baltimore on Tuesday. ... He gave up three runs on six hits in seven innings in the 14-3 win that was highlighted by Josh Hamilton's four home runs. It was Feliz's fourth quality start of the season. ... Among AL starters with at least five starts, Feliz is second in opponent average at .189. ... Opponents have just six extra-base hits in his starts. ... He is 0-0 with 15 saves in 15 chances and a 1.21 ERA against the Angels in 22 games. But all of those games came in relief.

Weaver (5-0, 1.60 ERA): Of course, the highlight of his season was the no-hitter on May 2 against Minnesota when he allowed one walk in nine innings with nine strikeouts. ... He has five straight quality starts and in six of his seven starts in 2012. ... In his last start, Weaver gave up one run on three hits in six innings with two strikeouts and two walks against the Twins. ... Jerome Williams was scheduled to pitch today, but because of the rain delay he was needed on Friday. The Angels had an off day Thursday, so Weaver is pitching on regular rest. ... The 29-year-old has a 0.83 ERA in Anaheim and a 3.00 ERA on the road this season. ... Weaver was 2-2 with a 3.34 ERA with 27 strikeouts and eight walks in five starts last season against the Rangers.

Hitters: Elvis Andrus is 19-for-46 with a homer and four RBIs in his career off Weaver. ... Adrian Beltre (10-for-52), Ian Kinsler (13-for-62) and David Murphy (6-for-37) have struggled off Weaver. ...The current Angels are just 6-for-51 off Feliz. ... No one has more than one hit. ... Erick Aybar and Alberto Callaspo are each 1-for-10 against Feliz.

Up next:

Mon vs. KC: TBD (likely Scott Feldman) vs. LHP Bruce Chen (1-4, 4.83), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FSSW
Tue vs. KC: Colby Lewis (3-2, 3.69 ERA) vs. TBD, 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FSSW

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The second game of this three-game series is an afternoon affair (12:05 p.m. on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and Fox) featuring LHP Matt Harrison and LHP C.J. Wilson. A brief look:

Harrison (4-2, 5.11 ERA): His last outing ended a two-game slump for Harrison as he earned a quallity start in Baltimore on Monday, giving up three runs on six hits in seven innings with a walk and three strikeouts in a 14-3 Rangers win. ... Before that, he had allowed 15 runs (14 of them earned) in his previous two starts. ... Harrison was 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in his first three starts. ... He has gone 2-2 with a 4.35 ERA in nine career games against the Angels, including 1-1 with a 5.16 ERA as a starter. ... Had a quality start in both of his outing against the Angels last season, posting a 2.84 ERA.

Wilson (4-3, 3.46 ERA): He's the first pitcher to start back-to-back games since Aaron Myette in 2002. He threw two pitches in his first start and got ejected, then started the next day. ... The 31-year-old Wilson had six straight quality starts to begin the 2012 season before going just one-third of an inning on Friday. ... Rain ended his night early, but he gave up four runs on three hits (all infield singles) with a walk and a strikeout. ... He gave up two runs on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in eight innings in a win over Toronto on Saturday. It was his longest outing of the season and the longest since Sept. 11, 2011. ... The former Ranger will be pitching against his old team for the second time in as many days. ... He has 40 strikeouts and 16 walks this season. ... In his career at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Wilson is 27-15 with 25 saves (he was a reliever before switching to the rotation prior to the 2010 season) in 173 games (39 starts).

Hitters: Only four current Rangers have ever faced Wilson. Adrian Beltre is 8-for-20 with three doubles, a homer and three RBIs and Mike Napoli is 4-for-18 with a double and a homer. ... Howie Kendrick is 3-for-6 with a homer off Harrison. ... Vernon Wells (1-for-10), Torii Hunter (1-for-10) and Erick Aybar (1-for-11) have struggled against Harrison, who has held current Angel hitters to a .207 average.

Up Next:

Sun vs. LAA: RHP Neftali Feliz (2-1, 3.38) vs. TBD, 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/ESPN
Mon vs. KC: TBA vs. LHP Bruce Chen (1-4, 4.83), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FSSW
Tue vs. KS: RHP Colby Lewis (3-2, 3.69) vs. TBA, 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FSSW

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Friday's first game of a three-game series between the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels features Yu Darvish and C.J. Wilson. The game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on TXA21 and ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. A look at the matchup:

PODCAST
Coop and Nate break down Friday's anticipated matchup between Yu Darvish and C.J. Wilson. Listen

Darvish (4-1, 2.54 ERA): This is the seventh start for Darvish, who is 3-1 with a 1.62 ERA in his last five starts, dropping his ERA from its high of 7.94 to 2.54. ... He has four straight quality starts and has pitched at least 5 2/3 innings in each start of his brief big league career. ... He has three consecutive games with at least nine strikeouts. The only other Rangers to do that were Nolan Ryan (four times) and Jim Bibby (once). ... His last outing was his first big league loss as he gave up four runs (three earned) in six innings with 11 strikeouts and four walks against Cleveland. ... The 11 strikeouts were a career-high and he's just the third Texas rookie to have at least 11 K's and the first since Bobby Witt (1986). ... This is his first start vs. LAA and his third home start. He's 2-0 with a 3.21 ERA in Arlington and has 12 consecutive scoreless innings at home.

Wilson (4-2, 2.61 ERA): The 31-year-old has six straight quality starts to begin the 2012 season. ... He gave up two runs on six hits with three walks and nine strikeouts in eight innings in a win over Toronto on Saturday. It was his longest outing of the season and the longest since Sept. 11, 2011. ... The former Ranger will be pitching against his old team for the first time. ... He has 39 strikeouts and 15 walks this season and opponents are batting .184 off him. ... In his career at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Wilson is 27-14 with 25 saves (he was a reliever before switching to the rotation prior to the 2010 season) in 172 games (38 starts) with a 3.89 ERA. But none of those 379 1/3 innings came as the visitor.

Hitters: Only four current Rangers have ever faced Wilson. Adrian Beltre is 7-for-19 with three doubles, a homer and three RBIs and Mike Napoli is 4-for-18 with a double and a homer. ... Josh Hamilton does have one at-bat off Wilson and he struck out. ... None of the Angels have faced Darvish.

Up Next:

Sat. vs. LAA: LHP Matt Harrison (4-2, 5.11) vs. RHP Jerome Williams (3-1, 3.38), 12:10 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FOX
Sun. vs. LAA: RHP Neftali Feliz (2-1, 3.38 ERA) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (5-0, 1.60), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/ESPN

BALTIMORE -- The final game of this four-game series (and the 10-game road trip) features LHP Derek Holland against RHP Tommy Hunter at 6:05 p.m. CT on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM and FSSW. Here's a brief look at the matchup:

Holland (2-2, 4.43 ERA): The left-hander was able to put two rough starts behind him and pitch well in Cleveland, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits with three walks and six strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings of a Rangers win Saturday. ... Holland got a no-decision, but the club won on Adrian Beltre's pinch-hit three-run homer in the 11th. ... Holland had three quality starts to begin the season before giving up 12 runs on 18 hits in 13 innings in losses to the Yankees and Rays. ... In three games (two starts) against Baltimore, Holland is 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA (seven runs on 12 hits with seven walks and 14 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings). ... His lone start vs. the O's in 2011 came at Camden Yards, and he pitched six scoreless innings on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts.

Hunter (2-1, 5.00 ERA): The 25-year-old former Ranger will be pitching on short rest after he was sent to the minors on Monday and then returns after Jason Hammel's knee soreness prevented him from starting today. ... Hunter gave up five runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings in the 17-inning marathon in Boston on Sunday. So he's pitching on short rest. ... His start prior to the one in Boston was a good one as he gave up two runs on seven hits in seven innings.

Hitters: The current Orioles are hitting just .162 against Holland. ... Only two batters have multiple hits off him -- Ronny Paulino (2-for-3) and Brian Roberts (2-for-7). ... Adam Jones is 0-for-4. ... Only two Rangers have faced Hunter -- Adrian Beltre (4-for-8, HR, 2 RBIs) and Mike Napoli (2-for-5, 2B, RBI).

Up next:
Fri. vs. LAA: RHP Yu Darvish (4-1, 2.54) vs. LHP C.J. Wilson (4-2, 2.61), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/TXA21
Sat. vs. LAA: LHP Matt Harrison (4-2, 5.11) vs. RHP Jerome Williams (3-1, 3.38), 12:10 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/FOX
Sun. vs. LAA: RHP Neftali Feliz (2-1, 3.38 ERA) vs. RHP Jered Weaver (5-0, 1.60), 7:05 p.m., ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM/1540 AM/ESPN