Cole Hamels (5-0, 2.83) is 12-1 for the Rangers since being acquired from Philadelphia in last July of last season. Texas won the last 10 regular-season games he pitched in during 2015 and has opened this season 7-2 in games he starts. He struck out 11 batters in Sunday's 9-2 rout of Houston, working a season-high eight innings and struck out 21 Pirates while walking just two over 14 innings last year, surrendering just two runs while pitching for the Phillies.
Dodgers 19-year-old Mexican lefty Julio Urias will make his major-league debut tonight after being promoted earlier this week and is considered one of the organization's top prospects.
The only teenage starting pitcher in the last 40 years to win his major league debut was Dwight Gooden in 1984 (5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K)
The only teenage starting pitcher in the last 40 years to win his major league debut was Dwight Gooden in 1984 (5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K)
Friday's Weather Report
* There is a 51 percent chance of rain and even a chance of thunderstorms for Friday afternoon's game between the Phillies and Cubs at Wrigley Field. There will also be an eight to 10 mile per hour wind gusting out to left field. The total is currently 9.0.
* There will be a moderate hitter's wind at Citi Field in New York when the Mets host the Dodgers Friday night. It will be gusting at nine to 10 miles per hour out to left field during the game. The total for the game is currently 7.0.
* The forecast is looking rough in Arlington with the Rangers expected to host the Pirates. There is a 70 percent chance of rain and even a chance of thunderstorms. There will also be a strong pitchers wind gusting at 12 to 14 miles per hour in from right field. The total is currently 9.0.
* After Thursday's White Sox-Royals game got rained out the forecast isn't looking much better in Kansas City today. There is a 76 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms in the area. The total is currently 8.0.
* In Seattle, there is a 56 percent chance of rain for tonight's Mariners-Twins game and a nine to 10 mile per hour pitcher's wind gusting in from left field. The total is currently 7.5.
* There is a 51 percent chance of rain and even a chance of thunderstorms for Friday afternoon's game between the Phillies and Cubs at Wrigley Field. There will also be an eight to 10 mile per hour wind gusting out to left field. The total is currently 9.0.
* There will be a moderate hitter's wind at Citi Field in New York when the Mets host the Dodgers Friday night. It will be gusting at nine to 10 miles per hour out to left field during the game. The total for the game is currently 7.0.
* The forecast is looking rough in Arlington with the Rangers expected to host the Pirates. There is a 70 percent chance of rain and even a chance of thunderstorms. There will also be a strong pitchers wind gusting at 12 to 14 miles per hour in from right field. The total is currently 9.0.
* After Thursday's White Sox-Royals game got rained out the forecast isn't looking much better in Kansas City today. There is a 76 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms in the area. The total is currently 8.0.
* In Seattle, there is a 56 percent chance of rain for tonight's Mariners-Twins game and a nine to 10 mile per hour pitcher's wind gusting in from left field. The total is currently 7.5.
Anthony Rizzo is absent from the Cubs' lineup Friday.
Rizzo has just three hits in his last 38 at-bats, so it's probably a good time to get him a breather with a lefty (Adam Morgan) on the mound. Jason Heyward is also receiving a day off, as the Cubs have Kris Bryant at first base, Javier Baez at third base and Matt Szczur in right field.
Rizzo has just three hits in his last 38 at-bats, so it's probably a good time to get him a breather with a lefty (Adam Morgan) on the mound. Jason Heyward is also receiving a day off, as the Cubs have Kris Bryant at first base, Javier Baez at third base and Matt Szczur in right field.
Christian Yelich (back) remained out of the Marlins' lineup Friday.
He's now missed six games with back spasms. Yelich has some history with back issues, although it doesn't appear at this point the disabled list is being considered. Cole Gillespie will start in left field again.
He's now missed six games with back spasms. Yelich has some history with back issues, although it doesn't appear at this point the disabled list is being considered. Cole Gillespie will start in left field again.
Stanton hasn't played since Tuesday due to soreness in his right side. The Marlins haven't indicated to this point that a trip to the disabled list is a possibility, but obviously the likelihood increases the longer this drags on. Ichiro Suzuki is again filling in in right field and leading off.
