Rangers gearing for showdown with Felix

ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are expected to face Felix Hernandez during their three-game series with the Mariners next weekend in Seattle. Hernandez is scheduled to pitch on Sunday against the Indians. That means his next start will be either next Friday or Saturday against the Rangers at Safeco Field.

The Mariners are off on Thursday, so it will all depend if manager Eric Wedge wants to to pitch Hernandez on his normal four days' rest or if he'll use the off-day to give all of Seattle's starters extra rest. Either way, the Rangers are likely to face Hernandez at some point during that series.

The Rangers already beat Hernandez in Seattle this season. He allowed four runs in six innings in a 4-3 loss on April 11. Justin Grimm opposed him in that game for the Rangers and could do so again this time around. Grimm is scheduled to pitch next Friday in Seattle if the Rangers stay on rotation. Derek Holland would pitch the Saturday game in Seattle.

Hernandez is 12-17 with a 3.77 ERA in 35 career starts against the Rangers. That's his most starts and most losses against any team.