The Texas Rangers have three days off before Game 1 of the American League Division Series against either the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles. That should be plenty of time to determine which pitchers to start for which games.
Manager Jeff Banister isn't giving away details about what he's thinking on that subject. It's no secret that Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish will start the first two games, but who gets the ball in the opener is still a mystery. The other two starters are likely Colby Lewis and Martin Perez, with Derek Holland being the designated long-reliever.
"I will not announce anything at this point. I will tell you that we've got four. You can assume that and decide and you'd probably be correct on who the four are," said Banister.
Post-season success is weighted heavily on pitching. The Rangers' two aces, Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, are expected to carry the load for the staff. If they do their jobs, Texas will be tough to beat in a 5-game or 7-game series. The other pitchers Banister has available are also capable.
"Until I sit down in that office in there and I have those appropriate conversations with each one of those individuals, I'm not going to give you anything. I will say this, I feel comfortable with any direction we go with the four that we have," said Banister.
