Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Texas Rangers Pick & Prediction AUGUST 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

Andrew Heaney bears the unfortunate distinction of leading the MLB in defeats, but Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy asserts that the southpaw has performed better than his record would suggest.

Heaney will have the opportunity to prove Bochy's words true as he takes the mound for the Rangers in the decisive game of their three-game series against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon in Arlington, Texas.

Heaney (4-13, 4.20 ERA) has struggled to make it through the fifth inning in his last two starts.

"I'm not pleased about it, but I've said it countless times: You create your own fortune," Heaney stated. "I didn't do it (in my previous start). Whatever you want to say, when you need to make a pitch, you make a pitch."

On August 11 against the New York Yankees, Heaney surrendered four runs (three earned) and five hits in 4 2/3 innings, resulting in an 8-7 loss. Five days later against the Minnesota Twins, he allowed four runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings and once again took the loss in a 4-3 defeat.

"We haven't been scoring runs like we're accustomed to," Bochy remarked after Heaney's most recent outing. "It was a close game. Every now and then, you give up four runs and still come out with a win. We made it a one-run game, but we just couldn't find a way to scratch and claw for another run."

The Rangers only managed to score three runs on Tuesday, as they were shut out 4-0 by Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who pitched seven strong innings.

"We just couldn't get anything going," Bochy lamented. "You have to fight - that's all you can do. Hopefully, someone gets something going."

Heaney has never faced the Pirates in his 11-year career in the majors.

The Pirates have announced that they will counter with right-hander Domingo German in the final game of the series.

German (0-0, 3.00) has made three appearances for Pittsburgh this season, all out of the bullpen. He previously made 89 starts for the New York Yankees over the course of six seasons.

German has started against the Rangers three times in his career, and has a record of 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA.

The Pirates had the option of starting rookie right-hander Paul Skenes on Wednesday on his regular five days' rest, but manager Derek Shelton wants to save him for Thursday's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

"We've been very mindful of (Skenes') innings and we will be extremely mindful of that over the last six weeks of the season," Shelton stated.

On Tuesday, the Rangers placed right-handed starter Tyler Mahle on the injured list with shoulder stiffness. Jon Gray was activated and pitched two innings of relief, allowing one run. Gray had not played since July 28 due to a groin injury.

The Rangers won the first game of the series 4-3 on Monday night, with shortstop Corey Seager hitting two home runs.

"He's one of the best players in the game and we gave him two flat, middle-middle breaking balls," Shelton said of Seager. "You can't do that. I think we saw what happens when you do that."

PREDICTION

Pittsburgh Pirates

4

5

Texas Rangers