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Blue Jays-Rangers Preview

Sep 2, 2009 - 5:16 AM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Toronto (59-70) at Texas (72-58), 8:05 p.m. EDT

The Texas Rangers, trying to reach the playoffs for the first time in 10 years, don't know if they'll have Michael Young in the lineup when they close a four-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.

If Josh Hamilton has regained his power stroke, it could make Young's absence easier to withstand.

Hamilton ended a 23-game home run drought Tuesday, hitting two in the second game of a doubleheader sweep.

After an 18-10 loss to the Blue Jays in Monday's series opener, Texas (74-58) won both games Tuesday by scores of 5-2. Hamilton drove in three runs in the nightcap as he hit a solo homer - his first in 99 at-bats - in the fourth and added a two-run shot in the fifth.

Hamilton, who finished with 32 homers and 130 RBIs last season, is hitting .185 in his last seven games. Bothered by injuries, he's been limited to 10 home runs and 49 RBIs in 86 games this year.

"I was hoping I remembered how to jog around the bases. ... There was a sense of relief," said Hamilton, who has been on the disabled list twice in 2009. "I was glad I proved myself, that I've still got game pop instead of just batting practice pop."

The Rangers gained one-half game in the AL wild-card race to pull within 3 1/2 of Boston. They'll probably need more nights like Tuesday from Hamilton if they are to catch the Red Sox, especially if Young misses extended time.

Young left the second game of the doubleheader after straining his left hamstring while crossing first base. Texas said he'll have an MRI on Wednesday and will be reevaluated after they look at the results.

"I'm optimistic," Young said. "I'll be really aggressive with my treatment and try to get back on the field as quickly as possible. Apart from that, I don't have too many answers right now."

Losing Young would be a huge blow to the Rangers. The All-Star third baseman came into Tuesday had hit in 18 straight games prior to Tuesday, and is batting .325 on the season. He's played 155 games or more in every season since 2002.

Toronto (59-72) has now lost five of six. Adam Lind, who had eight RBIs in Monday's victory, was 2 for 6 with one RBI during the doubleheader.

The Blue Jays will try to split the series when they hand the ball to Scott Richmond (6-7, 4.32 ERA), who is winless in four starts since returning from right shoulder tendinitis.

Richmond allowed five runs and nine hits in five innings of a 6-5 loss to Boston on Friday. He did not receive a decision, but saw his ERA rise to 6.11 in his last five outings - all Toronto losses.

The right-hander made his only start against the Rangers on April 23, allowing solo home runs to Hamilton and Chris Davis - who also homered Tuesday - in six innings of a 5-2 victory.

Tommy Hunter (6-3, 2.95) will counter for Texas. He gave up three runs in seven innings of a 3-2 loss to Minnesota on Friday after winning his previous three decisions.

The 23-year-old right-hander made his major league debut against Toronto last year, allowing six runs and eight hits in five innings of a 9-8 win. He didn't get a decision.