Matt Moore, James Shields to start

Updated: September 30, 2011, 11:24 AM ET
By Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com

Rookie left-hander Matt Moore will start Game 1 of the American League Division Series for the Tampa Bay Rays, with right-hander James Shields set to start Game 2.

Moore will face the Texas Rangers and left-hander C.J. Wilson at 4:07 p.m. CT on Friday. Shields will be opposed by left-handed starter Derek Holland at 6:07 p.m. CT on Saturday.

Moore, 22, has made just one start in the big leagues, pitching five scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts against the Yankees on Sept. 22. That was Moore's first win in the majors. Moore had given up three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings of relief prior to that start. He has a fastball in the mid-90s and a plus changeup.

In the minors, Moore was 12-3 with a 1.92 ERA in 27 starts (155 innings) as he split time with Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham in 2011.

The Rangers are 26-21 against left-handed starters this season, including an 18-7 mark at home.

The veteran Shields has been the Rays' top pitcher in 2011, putting up a 16-12 record with a 2.82 ERA in 33 starts (249 1/3 innings). He had 225 strikeouts and 65 walks.

It appears Jeremy Hellickson and David Price could pitch in Games 3 and 4. Shields could return for Game 5, if needed, on full rest, thanks to an off day after Game 4.

Richard Durrett covers the Rangers for ESPNDallas.com.

Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.

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