Texas Rangers manager declares C. J. Wilson as Game 1 starter, skipper undecided on Mark Lowe
The Texas Rangers are looking strong in the postseason and with the absence of Cliff Lee, they have managed to grow well. As they prepare for the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, there have been scheduled workout sessions being held at the Rangers
Ballpark in Arlington. Manager Ron Washington spoke from the stadium on Monday, October 17, and he declared openly that his regular season first choice starter, C. J. Wilson will take the mound in Game 1.
"He's my No. 1 starter, and my feelings haven't changed," Ron Washington said before the Rangers worked out in Arlington. "I expect C.J. to step up and get us deep into the game."
In other matters, Mark Lowe made his presence known at the camp as he told the reporters that he is ready to hit the mound if he is needed in the bullpen.
"I've pitched live batting practice, and I've thrown in the bullpen," Lowe said. "I've done everything that's available to me. I'm ready to go."
Wilson is currently 0 – 2 in the postseason with three games under the belt. He has a disappointing earning runs average of just 8.04 and there is confusion as to why he has been weak so far. Nevertheless, Wilson is a classy pitcher when he takes the mound
in the regular season. He was 16 – 7 during the season and he had an earning runs average of just 2.94. The opportunity given to the starter may be something of redemption attempt for the Rangers.
On the other hand, Lowe has been back at the workout camp for a while now, since his injury lay off on September 20. The hurler was pitching his second live batting-practice in three days and there is no reason to doubt his effectiveness with the ball. However
Washington has to make a switch for two relievers to get the hurler in. Lowe will have to most probably replace Koji Uehara and Yoshinori Tateyama.
"We're talking about all our options, but we haven't decided anything yet," manager Ron Washington said.
The decision has to be made by Washington and that is truly going to be a hard one to make.
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