On Deck: Red Sox

On Deck will be here all season to provide you with everything you need to know (and a few things you don't) about every Rangers series during the 2013 season. 

The Opponent: The Red Sox floundered a little after the Rangers swept them earlier this season but have gotten hot again, winning seven of their last 10 games and reclaiming first place in the AL East with a series victory over their biggest rivals, the New York Yankees.

Past 2013 Meetings: The Rangers swept the Red Sox in what was their first big test of the season back in the first weekend of May, winning the three games by a combined score of 16-4 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.

Pitching Matchups: Tuesday — Justin Grimm (5-3, 3.93) vs. Ryan Dempster (2-6, 4.45); Wednesday — Alexi Ogando (4-2, 3.08) vs. John Lackey (3-5, 2.96); Thursday — Derek Holland (5-2, 2.81) vs. Jon Lester (6-2, 3.53)

What's Hot: Adrian Beltre is hitting .476 over his last five games with a homer and five RBIs, but just one problem, Beltre's hamstring is giving him issues again and won't be playing again until at least Wednesday, most likely. Jurickson Profar is hitting .389 over his last five games and Nelson Cruz is hitting .350 over that time after going on quite the cold streak.

Mike Napoli, the former Rangers cult hero, is having quite the first season with his new club, hitting .417 with two homers and eight RBIs for the Red Sox over the last seven games. Jacoby Ellsbury is hitting .500 over the last week but is now battling an injury similar to Beltre's and his playing status is up in the air.

What's Not: Elvis Andrus is hitting just .192 over the last six games after going on a tear, Mitch Moreland has come back down to Earth a bit, hitting just .167 over his last six.

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Jon Lester gave up four runs in his last start, lasting just more than six innings and got roughed up pretty well by the Rangers in their last meeting.

Familiar Faces: There are several former Rangers on the Red Sox, most notably Napoli and relief pitcher Koji Uehara, as well as former Rangers prospect Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

David Murphy started his career with the Red Sox in 2006 and 2007 before being brought to Texas in exchange for relief pitcher Eric Gagne.

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