After two straight eight-inning outings in which he allowed just two hits, Matt Harrison came back down to Earth in his last outing, and in a big way.
Harrison, who has struggled throughout his career against the somewhat light-hitting Tampa Bay Rays gave up seven runs on 12 hits and three home runs in 5 1/3 innings back on Aug. 29.
Harrison now will get a chance to atone for that game against the Kansas City Royals, who might be a better hitting team than the Rays. In Harrison's past, he's made a habit of throwing up a stinker of a start and then bouncing back with three or four really good ones. That's why he hasn't quite reached true No. 1 status, even though he has been the Rangers' most consistent pitcher this year.
The biggest question surrounding Harrison heading into Tuesday night's game is whether he will throw at the first batter he sees in retaliation for Nelson Cruz getting plunked on Monday afternoon.
