Rays report: Corey Kluber set to take on Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas — Corey Kluber has some history with the Rangers.

He was traded to them by the Indians for the 2020 season, but hurt his shoulder in the first inning of his first start and didn’t pitch again, calling the whole experience, including the pandemic delay, “unfortunate.” He returned to Texas last year after signing with the Yankees, and threw a no-hitter at Globe Life Field, which he said was “a cool thing to accomplish personally.”

Today, Kluber, an ultimate pro, is just focused on the lineup in front of him, starting for the Rays as they seek a second straight win and a split of the four-game series. Lefty Taylor Hearn starts for the Rangers, as the Rays hope the slight uptick in offense Wednesday is a sign of things to come.

Whatever concerns the Rays had about their catching duo — and realistically Mike Zunino, since Francisco Mejia played all 11 innings Wednesday — were alleviated, as Rene Pinto was sent back to Triple-A Durham after joining the Rays and spending a day on the taxi squad.

Here is the Rays lineup:

And for the Rangers:

• • •

Sign up for the Rays Report weekly newsletter to get fresh perspectives on the Tampa Bay Rays and the rest of the majors from sports columnist John Romano.

Never miss out on the latest with the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, Florida college sports and more. Follow our Tampa Bay Times sports team on Twitter and Facebook.