Rangers Set Lineup Against Marlins as Texas Adjusts Probable Starter
The Texas Rangers are opening an important three-game series against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, and the matchup carries extra meaning for manager Skip Schumaker. For the first time since taking over in Arlington, Schumaker will manage against the Marlins in Miami, the place where his managerial career began.
Schumaker’s connection to Miami remains significant. Before joining the Rangers, he was hired by the Marlins ahead of the 2023 season after previously serving as bench coach with the St. Louis Cardinals. During his two-year spell with Miami, Schumaker posted a 146-178 record. His most successful stretch came in his first season, when he guided the Marlins to an 84-78 finish and a National League Wild Card berth. Miami’s postseason run ended quickly, however, as the club was eliminated by the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card Series.
After parting ways with the Marlins, Schumaker spent a year working with the Rangers as a special advisor. He later became Texas’ manager after the organization moved on from Bruce Bochy following three seasons in charge. Now, Schumaker returns to Miami in a different role, leading a Rangers team that is trying to stay within reach in the American League West race.
Texas enters the series with a 37-40 record and sits two games behind the Seattle Mariners in the division. The Rangers are beginning a demanding 10-game road stretch that includes stops in Miami, Toronto and Cleveland. At the very least, Texas will be aiming to come away from the trip around the .500 mark, though a stronger run would help the club regain momentum in the playoff picture.
The Rangers also made a notable change to their probable starting pitcher for Monday’s series opener. Kumar Rocker had originally been expected to start, but left-hander Tyler Alexander appeared on the lineup card instead. According to MLB.com, Texas is expected to use Alexander as an opener before turning to Rocker for bulk innings.
This is not the first time the Rangers have used this plan. On May 19 against Colorado, Alexander opened the game with a scoreless first inning before Rocker followed with 7.2 strong innings. Texas appears ready to try the same approach again, especially because the club has dealt with issues allowing first-inning home runs. By using Alexander early, the Rangers may be hoping to create a smoother path into the game for Rocker.
The series opener is scheduled for Monday at 5:40 p.m. at loanDepot Park in Miami. Texas will send Alexander, who carries a 1-1 record and 2.97 ERA, against Marlins right-hander Tyler Phillips, who enters at 1-2 with a 3.10 ERA.
The Rangers’ lineup against the right-handed Phillips features Joc Pederson at designated hitter, Wyatt Langford in center field, Josh Jung at third base, Brandon Nimmo in right field, Jake Burger at first base, Ezequiel Duran at shortstop, Alejandro Osuna in left field, Elias Diaz behind the plate and Nicky Lopez at second base.
Burger could be one player to watch, as he is 2-for-2 lifetime against Phillips.
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