John Lackey has faced the Rangers quite a bit over the course of his 12-year career, which is fitting when you consider the right-hander hails from the Lone Star State. The homecomings haven’t been much cause for celebration, however, judging by Lackey’s 6.68 ERA at the Ballpark in Arlington.
The Red Sox’ right-hander will look to improve on that mark Saturday night in his third start of the year, coming off of his best outing since 2011. Against the Houston Astros last Sunday, Lackey tossed six innings and allowed just one run while striking out four batters. He will be out to build on that strong performance and continue his comeback from Tommy John surgery that kept him out all of 2012.
Alexei Ogando will take the mound for the Rangers, and he has enjoyed some good success against the Red Sox. Jacoby Ellsbury, Mike Napoli and Dustin Pedroia are all hitless against the righty in limited at-bats.
Check out the lineups for both teams below.
Boston Red Sox (20-9)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Stephen Drew, SS
John Lackey, RHP
Texas Rangers (18-11)
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Lance Berkman, DH
Adrian Beltre, 3B
A.J. Pierzynski, C
Nelson Cruz, RF
Mitch Moreland, 1B
Craig Gentry, CF
Leonys Martin, LF
Alexi Ogando, RHP
