Rangers expected to see Strasburg

DETROIT -- The Rangers are in line to face right-hander Steven Strasburg during their three-game series with the Nationals next weekend in Washington D.C. If the Nationals' rotation is not disrupted, they will also face former Rangers Minor Leaguer Tanner Roark as well as Doug Fister.

Strasburg is scheduled to pitch on Friday in the series followed by Roark on Saturday and Fister on Sunday. This would be the first time they have faced Strasburg or Roark. The Rangers traded Roark to the Nationals in 2010 in a trade for infielder Cristian Guzman. Fister is 3-4 with a 5.67 ERA in nine career starts against the Rangers.

The Tigers started left-handed reliever Robbie Ray on Thursday against the Rangers. But he will likely be the last left-hander the Rangers face on this road trip. The Tigers are scheduled to pitch right-handers Anibel Sanchez, Rick Porcello and Justin Verlander over the next three days and the Twins are lined up to pitch right-handers Kevin Correia, Phil Hughes, Kyle Gibson and Ricky Nolasco during their four-game series with the Rangers that starts on Monday in Minnesota.

That could be good news for designated hitter Mitch Moreland and second baseman Rougned Odor. They often sit when there is a left-hander on the mound.

"I really don't pay attention a lot to who is going to be pitching," Moreland said. "I just get ready for the game and try to make something happen."