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Gabbard goes for first win with new team vs. Oakland

Aug 7, 2007 - 2:29 PM Oakland (54-59) at Texas (48-64) 8:35 pm EDT

ARLINGTON, Texas (Ticker) -- In just one day, Kason Gabbard went from first-place World Series contender to last-place cellar dweller. On Tuesday, he hopes to make the best of his new situation when he makes his second start for the Texas Rangers against the Oakland Athletics.

Gabbard (4-1, 3.86 ERA), acquired along with minor league outfielders David Murphy and Engel Beltre in the trade that sent closer Eric Gagne to the Boston Red Sox on July 31, makes his second start for his new team.

The lefthander would have preferred a better debut on Thursday as he surrendered three runs and eight hits over 5 2/3 innings in a 5-0 loss at the Cleveland Indians. His luck has not been much better against Oakland either, permitting five runs and six hits over 3 1/3 innings of a 9-0 loss on August 28, 2006 while still a member of the Red Sox.

Chad Gaudin (8-7, 3.88) will oppose Gabbard but has his own struggles to be concerned with. After taking an 8-3 record with a 2.88 ERA into the All-Star break, he has been shelled in each of his five outings, going 0-4 with a 7.81 ERA. He has allowed at least four runs in each appearance.

In Thursday's 6-4 loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the righthander surrendered five runs and seven hits over six-plus innings. He may be able to seek some refuge against the Rangers, however, as he is 1-1 with a 2.89 ERA in three career starts against Texas.