Wednesday’s Red Sox-Rangers matchups: John Lackey vs. Alexi Ogando

John Lackey

Rangers starter Alexi Ogando makes his return from the disabled list on Wednesday, taking the hill at Fenway Park. The Red Sox will try to continue their offensive outburst against Ogando, while attempting to provide run support behind right-hander John Lackey.

Lackey has become one of the strongest members of the Red Sox rotation in 2013, compiling a 2.96 ERA and 1.182 WHIP in eight starts. His 3-5 record isn’t quite indicative of the way he’s thrown. Lackey has been a part of the decision in each of his eight starts, but has taken a couple of tough-luck losses over the course of the season. His last time out was another instance of such a loss. The right-hander was solid through six innings against the Phillies, holding them to three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out five. Lackey made three mistakes; one to Erik Kratz, one to Ryan Howard and one to the hot-hitting Domonic Brown, all of whom drove a Lackey offering into the stands for solo home runs. Otherwise, Lackey pitched well enough to win, but the Sox offense was unable to get much going.

The three home runs doubled Lackey’s total on the season, bringing it to six. Prior to the outing in Philadelphia, he’d allowed only three in almost 40 innings, good for the 12th-lowest rate in the league. However, aside from the three balls that left the park, Lackey has been getting more ground balls than usual in his last couple of starts.

Lackey is no stranger to the Rangers, spending the better part of his career pitching in the AL West. But Texas has often gotten the better of the starter, who owns a career 12-15 record and 6.44 ERA against the Rangers. Lackey didn’t pitch poorly in his last outing against Texas back in the beginning of May, giving up six hits and three runs while fanning four. But the Red Sox gave the righty little run support, and he would receive the loss, while the Rangers would complete the three-game sweep of the Sox the next day.

Ogando has not pitched since May 16, spending a stint on the DL with a case of tendinitis in his right biceps. Prior to the injury, Ogando has been enjoying an effective season, going 4-2 with a 3.09 ERA in nine starts. In three starts before being sidelined, Ogando allowed only five runs in 17 2/3 innings, striking out 10 and walking seven.

One of those starts came against the Red Sox back on May 4. Ogando was impressive, holding the Sox to only one run over six innings, while allowing six hits and two walks and striking out four. Ogando might not put up the biggest strikeout numbers, but he’s shown he doesn’t have to in order to be successful. One strange thing sticks out when looking at Ogando’s numbers in 2013: As a right-hander, Ogando generally is hit harder by left-handed hitters, but righties seem to be hitting him pretty well this season. In fact, righties are hitting .280 against Ogando, as compared to a .194 batting average for lefties.

In nine career games against Boston, Ogando possesses a 3.93 ERA and a 2-2 record. In 2012, Ogando pitched in a relief role for the Rangers and threw four scoreless innings against the Sox over three appearances.

Rangers vs. Lackey (RHP)

Adrian Beltre (61 plate appearances): .207 AVG/.246 OBP/.328 SLG, 2 HR, 1 double, 12 RBI, 3 walks, 14 strikeouts

A.J. Pierzynski (49): .244/.286/.289, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 3 walks, 6 strikeouts

Nelson Cruz (28): .222/.250/.222, 3 RBI, 1 walk, 10 strikeouts

Elvis Andrus (27): .160/.192/.280, 1 triple, 1 double, 3 RBI, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

David Murphy (20): .438/.526/.688, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 RBI, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts

Lance Berkman (9): .333/.556/.333, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts

Mitch Moreland (9): .250/.333/.250, 1 walk, 1 strikeout