Texas Rangers: Andrew Cashner Looking for First Victory in Finale

The Rangers bats could not help Martin Perez on Saturday, and the Mariners took game two of the series. It now comes down to the series finale where Andrew Cashner needs to help Texas regain some momentum.

It’s been a mixed bag for Texas Rangers right-hander Andrew Cashner this season. Looking at the stats alone he seems like a reliable starter with his 2.95 ERA in four starts. He’s holding batters to a .211 batting average.

The problem is Cashner’s lack of command, and is high walk rate. In 21.1 innings of work Cashner has walked 16 batters with just 10 strikeouts. His high pitch count forces him out of games early and puts a heavy workload on the bullpen.

He’s been able to work out of jams only one hit in 24 at-bats with runners in scoring position. Cashner’s last start against the Mariners, he went six innings allowing four earned runs. The Rangers need Cashner to give Texas a quality start on Sunday.

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The Mariners will start Dillon Overton because James Paxton is unable to make the start. Seattle now has Felix Hernandez, James Paxton, and Drew Smyly on the disabled list. That makes the Cole Hamels injury look minor compared to what’s happening in Seattle.

It’s good news for the Rangers as Paxton was red-hot to start the 2017 season. Overton will get his first start of the season on Sunday. He’s pitched in four games, with a 6.14 ERA and has allowed five earned runs in 7.1 innings of work.

Next: Check Out the Grades for the Rangers Starters

It should be a good day for the Rangers offense against a struggling starter. The bats need to help Cashner and the bullpen, and most importantly the Rangers need this win to gain some momentum going forward.