MLB Predictions 2012: Texas Rangers vs. New York Yankees

The Texas Rangers (67-46) and New York Yankees (67-47) will open up an important American League series on Monday night at Yankee Stadium, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 ET on ESPN2

Texas Rangers at New York Yankees

Texas Rangers OF Josh Hamilton is swinging the bat much better in the No. 5 spot in the lineup

Texas took the final two games of a three-game set against Detroit over the weekend, which includes an 8-3 victory on Sunday afternoon. The Rangers offense has come alive in August, scoring 71 runs in 11 games, which is at a much better pace than plating an MLB-low 81 in 23 games the previous month. All-Star outfielder Josh Hamilton has started to come alive since being dropped two spots in the order, hitting .319 and driving in 15 RBIs since the calendar turned. Texas is 3-2 as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.

Rangers starting pitcher Ryan Dempster (6-5, 2.65 ERA) has led the club to victories in both of his outings since coming over from the Chicago Cubs, including a 6-3 road victory over the Boston Red Sox. The right-hander is 4-3 with a 1.64 ERA in 10 road games overall, issuing just nine walks and striking out 52 batters in 66 frames. In four career starts versus the Yankees, Dempster has compiled an 0-3 record and 6.45 ERA.

New York was unable to complete a sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays on the road, suffering a 10-7 setback on Sunday afternoon. The Yankees return to the Bronx after posting a 4-3 record on their seven-game road trip. “We are playing in really important games,” commented Yankees manager Joe Girardi. “We are playing for home-field advantage.” The club has won eight of the last 11 regular season meetings against tonight’s opponent. New York is 20-11 at home when the total is 9 to 9.5.

Yankees starting pitcher David Phelps (2-3, 2.42 ERA) briefly moves into the rotation due to CC Sabathia skipping a start, as he’s made seven scoreless relief appearances since July 4. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 1.50 ERA in eight home outings, with opponents hitting just .157 against him. Phelps surrendered three runs and five hits in 2.1 innings of relief against the Rangers on April 25.