Rangers manager Ron Washington has posted his Game 1 lineup, which will face Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander tonight in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series.
Rangers vs. Tigers: Ron Washington’s Game 1 Lineup
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. Josh Hamilton*, CF
4. Michael Young, DH
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. Mike Napoli, C
7. Nelson Cruz, RF
8. David Murphy*, LF
9. Mitch Moreland*, 1B
Absolutely no surprises here, as Washington’s greatest flexibility comes in left field and first base, and he’s installed left-handed hitters in both slots. This righty-heavy lineup does look vulnerable to the right-handed Verlander, but on the other hand a) every lineup looks vulnerable against Verlander, and b) this is how the Rangers have been it all season, and so far it’s worked out pretty well for them.
All of Detroit's starting pitchers are right-handed, so it'll be interesting to see if Washington works some of his bench players into the mix somehow, as the series progresses. This is probably his best lineup against righties, with the caveat that Endy Chavez bats lefty like Murphy and is the superior defensive outfielder. So we'll probably see Chavez start at some point.
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