Tyler Alexander (1-1, 2.62 ERA) gets the ball for Texas in what amounts to a spot start — and generous framing might not even cover it. Alexander has been used as a reliever all season, closing out Sunday's series finale for his 4th save on one day's rest. Now he's being asked to open a road game in that same role reversal, filling a hole in a rotation that's been gutted by injuries. Messick (7-4, 2.67 ERA) counters for Cleveland, and he is most definitely not filling a hole.
The Rangers' rotation situation is genuinely bleak. Jack Leiter had ankle surgery last week and is out indefinitely. Cody Bradford and Jordan Montgomery are both on the 60-day IL with arm problems. Texas has been plugging starts with internal options all month, and Alexander — a versatile lefty signed for $1.125M in December primarily as a bullpen piece — is the latest patch job. The offense bailed the rotation out through the Blue Jays sweep, scoring 21 runs across 4 games, but the lineup is also shorthanded heading into tonight.
Cleveland's biggest storyline is the one missing from their lineup. Jose Ramirez had hamate bone surgery on June 16 — the same procedure he went through back in 2019 on his right hand — and is expected out 5 to 7 weeks, targeting a return around or just after the All-Star break. That's the best hitter in the organization, gone for the foreseeable future. Messick has been the counterweight keeping the Guardians afloat. His last start against the White Sox went 7.2 innings, 10 strikeouts, 2 earned runs on 3 hits — and he lost 2-1 because the offense left him out to dry. He's 7-4 despite that kind of run support, building a legitimate AL Rookie of the Year case. The Texas lineup he faces tonight is also missing Wyatt Langford (hamstring) and Cody Freeman (herniated disc), which only shortens the odds further.
- Day-To-DaySebastian Walcott SS — Walcott (elbow) will begin to ramp up his activity soon and is still on track for a late-July or early-August return to a minor-league affiliate, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
- 10-Day-ILWyatt Langford LF — Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Sunday that Langford (hamstring) will remain on the 10-day injured list through the All-Star break, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
- 10-Day-ILCody Freeman 3B — The Rangers placed Freeman on the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a herniated disc.
- 10-Day-ILDanny Jansen C — Jansen (forearm) was able to throw out to 60 feet Saturday, Shawn McFarland of The Dallas Morning News reports.
- 15-Day-ILChris Martin RP — Martin (shoulder) was sent to Double-A Frisco on Sunday to begin a rehab assignment.
- 15-Day-ILJack Leiter SP — Leiter underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a loose body from his right ankle region Tuesday and should be considered out indefinitely, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
- 15-Day-ILJalen Beeks RP — Beeks (2-1) earned the win in relief Saturday against the Cubs after tossing 1.1 scoreless innings. He struck out one with no hits or walks allowed.
- 60-Day-ILJordan Montgomery SP — Montgomery (elbow) struck out three over two perfect innings in a rehab start Saturday with Double-A Frisco.
- Day-To-DayTanner Burns SP — no
- Day-To-DayCarlos Hernandez RP — Hernandez (shoulder) began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
- 10-Day-ILAngel Martinez LF — Martinez (foot) has shed his walking boot, is playing catch and hitting off a batting tee, Tim Stebbins of MLB.com reports.
- 10-Day-ILJose Ramirez 3B — Ramirez underwent surgery to address the hamate bone fracture in his left hand Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined 5-to-7 weeks, Zack Meisel of The Athletic reports.
Texas comes in riding 4 straight wins with real momentum — reaching even after a rough stretch is no small thing. But momentum does not spot-start Tyler Alexander for 6 innings against a home lineup in Cleveland. The Guardians are 44-40 and playing competitive baseball without their best player, which says something about how deep this roster runs. The Rangers have a live bullpen and have proven they can stay in games. Staying in this one against Messick is the task. Getting through it would take more than momentum.