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To say the Yankees will play the penultimate game of the 2019 regular season tonight probably makes it sound more dramatic than it really is, but it’s true. The Yankees have just two games remaining before the playoffs begin. Tonight, the Yankees and Rangers will match up for a late-ish start of 8:05 PM. Let’s breakdown the matchups:
Luis Severino is all set to make just his third start of the year. Severino was lights-out his last time on the bump, treating the Blue Jays to nine strikeouts across five shutout innings last Sunday. Fortunately enough, he’ll face an even more strikeout-prone team tonight in the Rangers, whose team 25.5% K-rate is fifth worst in baseball.
Opposite Sevy is Luke Farrell, an up-and-down right-handed reliever. Farrell, son of former big league manager John Farrell, has made just eight appearances this season with the Rangers but has been pretty solid in limited action. In 11.1 innings, he’s struck out 12 hitters and only surrendered 3 runs -- all of which have come from solo homers.
The three homers definitely stick out, but it’s likely just sample size noise. Farrell has a career 0.9 HR/9 rate in over 550 minor league innings. Farrell’s been used primarily as a reliever since this season began, so it won’t be shocking to see the Rangers go to the ‘pen early tonight.
The Yankees’ lineup looks about like what one might expect. Gary Sanchez will get a break after getting three at-bats last night. Aaron Judge makes his return to the starting lineup tonight after having the day off last night. Finally, Gleyber Torres takes a seat in favor of Didi Gregorius, who will play short tonight.
Sevy takes the mound in Texas.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 28, 2019
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The final night game at Globe Life Park. #FarewellGLP pic.twitter.com/S2Th0wZKrf
— #FarewellGLP (@Rangers) September 28, 2019
As always, the game can be heard on WFAN or WADO. Fans can watch tonight’s action on the YES Network, MLB.tv, or fubo.tv. First pitch is set for 8:05 PM EST.